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DE WITT'S ACTING- PLAYS. 

(Number 319.) 




THE 

GHIHNET CORNER. 

AN ORIGINAL DOMESTIC DRAMA, 
IN T^^^O A.OTS, ' 



BY H. T. CRAVEN. 

Authm- of " Milky White," '« Miriam's Crime," " The Post Boy," 
" Philomel." 



Am First Performed at the Boyal Olympic Theatre, London, 
Feb. 21, 1861. 



XO WHICH ABE JlDD&D, 

A desoription of the Caitumes— Synopsifl of the Piece- Cast ol the Characters 

— Entranoes and Exits— Relative Positions of the Performers on 

the Stage, and the whole of the Stage Business. 




CLINTON T. DE WITT, PITBLISHEK, 

No. 33 ItoBe Street. 




A COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF DE WITT'S ACTING 
NOW \ PLAYS, AND DE WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS, containing 
^ Plot, Costume, Scenery, Time of Representation, and every other infonna- 
BElAJix, I ^.^^^ mailed free and post-paid. 



1 



\<{ 



noSMfHaS^ 



DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS. 



1 



^^ Please notice that nearly all the Comedies, Farces and Comediettas in tJie following 
^Ut o/"Db Witt's Acting Plats" are very suitable for representation in small AmcUeur Thea- 
tres and on Parlor Stages, as they need bui little extrinsic aid from complicated scenery or i. 
expensive costumes. They have attained their deserved popularity by their droll situations, 
excellent plots, great humor and brilliant dialogues, no less than by the fact that they are Vie 
most perfect in every respect of any edition of plays ever published either in the United States 
or Europe, %vhether as regards purity of the text, accuracy and fulness of stage directions and 
«cenery, or elegance of typography and clearness of printing. 

*** In orde/ing please copy thejigures at the co7nmer,^em£nt of each piece, which indicate 
the number of the piece in "De Witt's List op Acting Plats." 

J[^" Any of tlie following Plays sent, postage free, on receipt of price — IS 
cents each. 



The figure following the name of the Play denotes the number of 
Acts. The figures in the columns indicate the number of characters — M. male ; 
F. female. 
Ko. 



75. Adrienne, drama, 3 acts 7 3 

114. Anything for a Change, comedy, 13 3 
ltj7. Apple Blossoms, comedy, 3 acts 7 3 

93. Aiea Belle (The), farce, 1 act 3 2 

40. Atchi, comedietta, 1 act 3 S 

88. Aunt Charlotte's Maid, farce. 1 act.. 3 3 

192. Game of Cards (A), comedietta, 13 1 
166. Bardell vs. Pickwick, sketch, 1 act. 6 2 

41. Beautiful Forever, farce, 1 act 2 3 

141. Bells (The), drama, 3 acts 9 3 

67. Birthplace of Podgers, farce, 1 act.. 7 3 
36. Black Sheep, drama, 3 acts 7 5 

160. Blow for Blow, drama, 4 acts 11 6 

70. Bonnie Fish Wife, farce, 1 act 3 1 

179. Breach of Promise,, drama, 2 acts. . 5 2 

25. Broken-Hearted Club, comedietta, 14 8 

24. Cabman, No. 93, farce, 1 act 2 2 

1. Caste, comedy, 3 acts 5 3 

69. Cauglit bv the Ciiflf, farce, 1 act 4 1 

175. Cast upon the World, drama, 5 acts. 10 5 
55. Catharine Howard, historical play, 

3 acts ., 12 

80. Charming pair, farce, 1 act 4 

65. Checkmate; comedy, 2 acts 6 

68. Chevalier de St. George, drama, 3 9 
7(). Chops of the Channel, farce, 1 act. 3 

149. Clouds, comedy, 4 acts 8 

121. Comical Countess, farce, 1 act 3 

107. Cupboard Love, farce, 1 act 2 

152. Cupid's Eye-Glass, conedy, 1 act... 1 
52. Cup of Tea, comedietta, 1 act 3 

148. Cut oflf with a Shilling, comedietta, 

1 act 2 

113. Cvrill's Success, comedy, 5 acts 10 

199. Captain of the Watch (The), come- 
dietta, 1 act 4 

30 Daddy Gray, drama, 3 acts 8 

4. Dandelion's Dodges, farce, 1 act 4 

22. David (iarrick, comedy, 3 acts 8 

So. Dearest Mamma, comedietta, 1 act, 4 

16. Dealer than Life, drama, 3 acta 6 

58. Deborah (Leah) drama, 3 acta 7 

125. Deerfoot, farce. 1 act 5 

71. Doing for the Best, drama, 2 acts.. 5 

149. Dollars and Cents, comedy, 3 acta.. 9 

I , — 



No. jf. p. 

21. Dreams, drama, 5 acts 6 3 

186. DuchessdelaValliere, play, 5 acts. . 6 4 

47. Easy Shaving, farce, 1 act 5 2 

13 1. Everybody's Friend, comedy, 3 acts. 6 5 

200. Estranged, an operetta, 1 act 2 1 

103. Faust aud Marguerite, drama, 3 acts, 9 7 

9. Fearful Tragedy in the Seven Dials, 

interlude, 1 act 4 1 

128. Female Detective, drama, 3 acts. ...11 4 

101. Fernande, drama, 3 acts 11 10 



99. Fifth Wheel, comedy. 3 acts 10 

145. First Love, comedy, 1 act 4 

103. Foiled, drama, 4 acts 9 

88. Founded on Facts, farce, 1 act. . . . i 

74. Garrick Fever, farce, 1 act 7 

53. Gertrude's Money Bo.\, farce, 1 act. 4 
73. Golden Fetter (Fettered), drama, 3 11 
30. Goose with the Golden Eggs, farce, 

1 act 5 

131. Go to Putney, farce, 1 act 4 

28. Happy Pair, comedietta, 1 act 1 

151. Hard Case (A), farce, 1 act 2 

8. Henry Dunbar, drama, 4 acts 10 

180. Heniy the Fifth, historic;il play, 5 38 

19. He's a Lunatic, farce, 1 act 3 

60. Hidden Hand, dranui, 4 acts 5 



187. His Own Enemy, farce, 1 act 4 1 

174. Home, tomcdy, 3 acts 4 3 

64. Household Fairy, sketch, 1 act 1 1 

190 Hunting the Slipper, farce, 1 act 4 1 

191. High C, comedietta, 1 act 4 ? 

197. Hunchback (The), play, 5 acts 14 2 

18. If I Hail a Thousand a Year, farce, 

lact 4 3 

116. I'm Not Mesilf at All, original Irish 

stew, 1 act 3 S 

129. In for a Holiday, farce, 1 act 2 3 

159. In the Wrong llouse, farce, 1 act. . . 4 S 

122. Isabella Orsini, drama, 4 acts 11 4 

177. I Shall Invite tlie iVIajor, C0DM;dy, 14 1 

100. Jack Long, drama, 2 acts 9 2 

139. Joy is Dangerous, comedy, 2 acta. .. 3 3 

17. Kind to a Fault, comedy, 2 acts 6 4 \ 

86. Lady of Lyons, play, 5 acts 12 5 j 

72. Lame Excuse, farce, 1 act 4 3 I 



THE 



CHIMNEY CORNER. 

%n #righTal g0mestk MxRxau, 



IN TWO ACTS. 

BY EL T. CRAVEN. 
•( 

Author of "Milky White," "Miriam's Crime," " The Post Boy," " PhilomeL" 



AS FIRST PERFORMED AT THE ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE, LONDON, 
FEB. 21, 1861. 



TO WHICH AEE ADDED 

A DESCKIPTION OF THE COSTUME — CAST OF THE CHARACTERS — EN- 
TRANCES AND EXITS — KEIiATIVE POSITIONS OF THE 
PERFORMEKS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE 
OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. 



NEW YORK : 

CLINTON T. DE WITT, PUBLISHEE, 

No. 33 Rose Street. 

? 



^1- 



THE CHIMNEY COENER. 






CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Boyal Olympic Tlieatre, 
London, Feb. 21, 1861. 

Solomon Probity (aged 91).... Mr. H. Wigan. 

Peter Probity (aged GO) Mr. F. Robson. 

JouN PnoBiTY (aged 23) Mr. W. Gordon. 

Mr. Charles Chetty Mr. G. Murray. 

Sifter Mr. H.Cooper. 

Patty Probity (wife of Peter) Mr.s. Leigh Murray. 

Grace Emery Miss HiroHEs. 



TIME OP REPRESENTATION— ONE HOUR AND FORTY MINUTES. 



SCENERY. 



ACT I., .Seme.— Interior of a little parlor at the back of a small chandler's shop, 
in the vicinity of London ; a glass door opening into the shop, l. 2 e., over this, a 
portrait of a little boy ; an entrance and practicable staircase, which terminates on 
the stage, 2 B. r. ; cupboard, r. ; stage boxed in ; an air of comfort pervades the 
furnishing, though the articles are of an old-fashioned and humble description. In 
Flat. Flat. 



Fireplace. 



O 



— Clock. — 

B, 2. E. L. 2. E. 



.] ••• 



•_ * * * Desk. _1 

B. 1 E. Stall-case. Glass Door. l. 1 e. 



Table. 

c. 

Oechestea. 



the c. of flat, a fireplace and cheerful fire, on which, and on the hob, are sauce- 
pans, and plates before the flre ; over the mantel-piece (on which are several com- 
monplace ornaments), is a looking-glass, on either side of the glass, some low art 
specimens of family portraiture ; a few antiquated prints are variously arranged 
on the walls, r. and l.; an old chest of di;;iT"er..s with a desktop, stands l., beyond 
the door ; a table, l. c. (on which is a lighted candle) ; some half dozen chaiw 
(some easy) ; clock, l. of fire-place ; drugget, partially covering the floor. 

A fortnight is supposed to elapse between Acts I. and II. 

AdT II., .S'w«€.— Same as Act I scene, except that fnniiture is arranged some- 
what difllerently, being a contrast to the former Act, in which an air of comfort 
was observable ; the room now seems neglected and untidy. 

G'FT 
EST. OF J H. CORNINCS 
JUNE 20. 1940 



THE CHIMNEY COKNEB. 



COSTUMES. 

Peter.— JPirsi dress : Old fashioned black dress coat, black satin vest, dark 
trousers, quaint looking hat with crape hat-band, black gloves, umbrella. 
Second di-ess : Drab shop coat, and grocer's long apron. 

Solomon.— Long loose black coat, drab breeches, gray stockings and large ankle 
boots. 

Charles.— Fashionable suit of black. 

John.— Black frock coat, gray trousers and vest. 

Sifter. — Suit characteristic of a town traveler. 

Patty. — Blue gown, white apron and cap. 

Grace. — black silk dress and mantle, black bonnet. 



PROPERTIES. 



Saucepans and plates ; common mantel ornaments ; old-fashioned clock ; lighted 
candles ; drugget ; pencil and memorandum book for Siptrr ; small packages of 
papers, to be in desk-top of chest of drawers ; pocket-handkerchief, an old canary- 
colored silk preferable ; large black pocket-book for Peter Probity, with several ' 
sovereigns and a number of bank-notes ", japanned cash-box, to lock ; apron for 
Peter ; Irish stew, to be taken from saucepan on fire : table-cloth ; basin of gruel ; 
jug, for bo3' ; will, for Peter to read from ; knife and fork for Peter, to throw 
down at table ; supper things on table, including a bottle of onions ; long clay 
pipe, to smoke, for Peter ; note for John, to place in Solomon's hand ; money 
wrapped up In paper, for John to take from desk ; bundle of wood ; spectacles f«r 
Peter ; account book for Peter ; letter for postman to send in. 



SYNOPSIS. 



Solomon Probity, in his ninety-first j'ear, is living with his son Peter, a chand- 
ler in moderate circumstances. Peter has a good wife, Patty, and au excellent 
son, John. Peter had been left joint executor to the estate, and guardian to the 
person, of a very pretty and amiable girl. Miss Grace Emery. But her father 
having heard something to the detriment of John Probity, his old friend's son, 
has made a codicil to his will, insisting that Grace should marry Charles Chetty, 
cr forfeit a large sum of monej'. The other guardian was the father of this 
Charles, and John was a clerk in their law office. The lawyer believed that John 
Probity had committed a forgery on their house, and had even told Mr. Emery of it ; 
hence the codicil alluded to. Grace, however, never faltered in her faith in John's 
integrity, and discountenanced Charles Chetty's overtures of love. The 
Chettys had put a detective on John's tracks ; but meanwhile he, unsuspiciously, 
kept on the even tenor of his way. While affairs were in this condition, Peter 
Probity, the chandler, sold out a lot of Grace's securities, and brought the 
amount of money that he received to his snug little parlor, back of the shop, where 
he intended keeping it until the next morning. Grace Emery is paying the 
Probitys a visit, and before her, and his wife, Peter counts and recounts the 
notes and the gold, locks it all in a tin cash box, and puts the box in an old desk, 
surmounting a chest of drawers ; at the same time avowing his intention of sitting 
lip all night for fear of thieves. He is suddenlj' called away, however, no one 
staying in the room except the old man, who sits drowsily in the Chimner Corner, 
scarcely conscious of anything that is going on. Indeed, so dulled arc his facul- 
ties, that his grandson, John, is the only person that can make him understand 



4 THE CHIMNET CORNER. 

anything. When Peter leaves the room, old Probity, mumbling eomething 
about money and thieves, contrives to drag himself to the desli, clutches the 
money-box, and cautiously hides it in a hole in the chimney. Then he sinks help- 
lessly into his large stuffed chair. Hardly is he quietly seated, before John 
Probity rushes in ; going to the desk, he helps himself to a small package from 
one of the drawers ; runs to his grandfather, shakes the old man's hand affection- 
ately, and puts a note in the feeble fingers. Then, in deep agitation, he leaves the 
room, and the house. Terrible is the outcry raised by Peter when he returns and 
finds the box gone. His v.ife runs in, and is of course deeply agitated at the loss 
of the money-box. Bat when old Solomon begins talking to himself about John 
taking money ; and they read the paper which the old man holds heedlessly in his 
hands, they are almost petrified. The note read : " Dearest parents : I hope you 
will forgive your boj the present rash act. But to see such a treasure possessed by 
another was more than I could endure, and I have fled ; knowing you love me too 

much to bring me back for a trial which would kill me " Peter can read no 

more, but tears the paper to fragments. At intervals Solomon utters, in a low, 
sing-song tone, "John's got the money— took it out of the desk— plenty of 
money—" The note, and Solomon's prattle, convince Peter that his son is the 
culprit ; and father and mother are well-nigh broken-hearted. Grace persistently 
refuses the hand of Charles CHETTY,;ind even after hearing all the suspicious 
circumstances, she will not speak harshly of John. Charles Chetty comes to 
Peter to demand an accounting for the money that he has received for his ward. 
While the poor chandler's agitation is at the greatest, John suddenly enters, and 
of course proclaims his innocence. But circumstances look too dark against him 
for even his dear parents to believe him. The son, though, contrives to make old 
Solomon nnderstand a little of what he wants to know, and the grandfather points 
to the Chimney Corner, where, after some searching, they find the missing box. 
The young man is also cleared of even the suspicion of wrong in the check case— 
a fellow clerk having confessed himself the culprit. This removes the only ob- 
stacle between him and Grace. There is a pleasant vein of- pure comedy running 
through the piece, making a charming contrast to the affecting and passionate 
scenes. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

E. means Right of Stage, facing the Audience ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; E. C. Eight 
of Centre ; L. C. Left of Centre. D. F. Door in the Flat, or Scene running across 
the bnck of the Stage ; C. D. F. Centre Door in the Flat ; E. D. F. Eight Door in 
the Flat; L. D. F. Left Door in the Flat ; E. D. Eight Door ; L. D. Lett Door ; I E. 
First Entrance; 2 E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance ; 1, 2 or 3 G. First, 
Second or Third Grooves. 

B. E. C. C. L. C. L. 

B®" The reader is supposed to be upon the stage facing the audience. 



THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — Interior of a little parlor nt the hade of a small chandler's 
shop, in the vicinity of London. 

Solomon Probity {a sujieranmrnted man, with long white hair, and 
bent with extreme ag6\ is discovered dozing in a large oldfashioned 
arm-chnir, in the chimney corner, -r. of fireplace, his right side 
being towards the audience. 

Sifter (heard without, l.). Allow me to step insic'e for a minute or 
two, I'll write a memorandum of our wholesale figures — thank you, I'll 
go in I 

Enter Sifter, Jj., followed by Mrs. Probity. 

Mrs. Probity (l.). I don't think it's any use, sir; you have been 
here a great many times, and Peter told you, when he last saw you, as 
\ie didn't want anything in your way. 

Sift. (r.). I enjoy a bit of pleasant chat, when I find myself in the 
neighborhood; remarkably intelligent woman, pleasing manners, 
and 

Mrs. p. Oh, sir, that's flummery. 

Sift. Flummery! Ah! ah! now I call that intelligent; but, my 
good lad}-, I I'epresent a firm who can supply you, or any other qood 
chandler, with soda and potash, a hundred and flfly per cent, cheaper 
than any house in London, {takes jyencil and book out of his pocket and 
sits r. of table) Snug little room this. 

JNIrs. p. Yes, sir ; it is, sir. 

Sift. Ah, very snug ! let's see — potash at — hem — hum — all your 
family quite well, Mrs. P.l 

]Mrs. p. Quite well, sir. 

Sift. And your son — you have a son, haven't j'ou "? 

Mrs. p. Yes, sir ; he's in a lawyer's office. 

Sift. Dear me, a nice comfortable home for him. Few sons have 
such a home — no, indeed ; and there's his desk, too, eh 1 (pointing to 
drawers, l.) 

Mrs. p. Yes, sir ; when he 7uis any overv.'ork. he does it there. 

S[ft. Just so; what a nice handy piece of furniture: I've often 
wislieil to ])urchase something of this sort, (gets up and opens top)) Ah, 
there's capital nooks for your son's |)apeis ; all these Ids papers 1 

Mrs. p. Some his, and some his father's ; we have no secrets here. 

Sift, t dare say not — I dfire say not. (handling the 2'>etpers, aiid 
carelessly opening the little drawers) Secret drawers, though, eh 1 

Mrs. p. There, sir. shut it up ; there's nothing worth seeing, and if 
you'll just write down what you want — (a bell attached to the exterior 
shop door is heard, l.) 



6 THE CHIMNEY CORNER, 

Sift. Tliere, you're wanted. (.sUf>) Don't mind me ! 

Mus. P. Coming ! [Exit, l. door. 

Sift. Old follow there asleep. {7'ises and (joes again to the desk, which 
lie lilts ju.st opened, ichen Mrs. Puobity's voice is ayaiti heard.) 

Mbs. p. {outside). Gome in, come in, my darling ! (Sifter suddenly 
closes the desk and resumes his seat.) 

He-enter Mrs. Probity, followed by Grace Emery, loho is dressed in 
deep mourning. 

Mrs. p. (c). So Peter had to stay in the city, and sent you here by 
yourself] You're tired, I dare say '! {to Sifter) Now, sir, if you'll give 
me your card you needn't stay. 

Sift. (r.). Never mind, I'll call again to-morrow morning ; come and 
have a long chat with you. {crosses to l.) Good-by, for the present. 

[Exit, L. 

Mrs. p. (tw.). An impudent fellow, forcing himself into people's 
private parlors. These town travellers have the impudence of the old 
'un ; excuse me, dear. 

GiiAcE (l.). I shall have to trouble Peter to go into the city with me 
again to-morrow. 

Mrs. p. {takes chair, r.). There, sit down, {they sit) you must be 
tired with your long journey. Of course, there's a deal of business to 
be done, what with consoling — buying out and selling in, investing and 
transferring, and all that ; lor bless me, /don't understand it a bit, but 
my old man does. The idea of your poor father leaving my Peter sole 
executor and your — trustee, don't they call it 1 It makes my foolish 
old hubby quite proud; he fancies he's a great man. 

Grace. I'm glad it is so, Patty ; I love him as a father — better, I may 
say, than my own father, whom 1 had not seen for twelve years, when 
he came home to die. But Peter looked after me all the time I was at 
boarding-school, and I know, Patty, I'm in the hands of a good, honest 
man. 

Mrs. p. That he is, dear, although he's only a chandler's shop- 
keeper ; but bless you, he knows a deal about money matters, and 
speculations and scrip. He lost all he had saved tv/o years ago, by in- 
vestments, so he ought to know soniething about 'em. 

Grace. Recollect, I have no friends in the world now but you and — 
and perhaps Mr. Chetty, my late father's lawyer. 

Solomon {seated at back, n. c). The great frost was in 'fourteen ! 

Mrs. P. {to Grace). I wonder if father will know you. {both rise, 
Mrs. Probity goes -up to Solomon and bawls in his ear) This is Grace 
Emery — Grace Emery ! You know Grace, don't youl 

Sol. The great frost was in eighteen fourteen ! 

Mrs. p. He's a great age — turned ninety ; and he can't recollect one 
instant what he has done the instant before ; he asks for his tea five 
minutes after he's had it, though at times he's knowing enough, / can 
tell you. 

Grace. Look ! he's noticing me 7ioiP. 

Mrs. p. {balding 1)1 his ear). This is Grace Emery. 

Sol. Has Grace got the money her father left her 1 

Mrs. p. There ! did you ever ? Now he's picked that up somehow. 
Bless you, he hears and notices things when we little think it. 

Sol. There was a hailstorm in Norfolk the day her father was born — 
did a deal of damage to the blossom. 

Mrs. p. There's a memory. 

Sol. Where's my hankeycher ? 



THE CHIMNEY COKNEE. 7 

Mrs. p. Here in your hand ! [to Grace) He can't remember a tiling. 
Kiss liim, and see what he'll say; he likes to be made much of, I can 
tell you. 

Grace. Here's a snufF-bos I've brought you as a present ; {places it 
ill his hand) and, I'm going to kiss you. (kisses him.) 

Sol. They tell me things are very forward this year. 

Grace. Oh, dear ! there's a rub ! 

Mrs. p. {bawling). She kissed you, you ought to be very proud — a 
pretty girl like her. {^winting to Grace.) 

Sol. Fine wench ! fine wench 1 be getting a husband soon — yes — 
yes —stormy wether set in after that, [turns to tlie fire.) 

Mrs. p. Now, take oil' your bonnet, my love, and make yourself com- 
fortable. Peter will be home soon with your money, and then we'll 
have a bit of supper, {the shop hell rings) There's somebody in the shop. 
{looking through icindoio of the door) Ah ! it's John — my son John, 
juot come from the office. Poor fellow, he has been very low-spirited 
lately ; and we can't cheer him up, do what we will. 

Enter John Probity, l. 

Come in John : here's Grace, come to stay all night. Isn't she looking 
well ? {goes up, l.) 

John (l ). Grace here ! I — I didn't know that 

Grace (r., comes to c, holding out her hand to John). How do you 
do, John ? You are not angry at my intrusion, are you 1 

Sol. (at hack, talking to himself). Yarmouth bloaters don't all come 
from Yarmouth. 

John. Angry, Grace! and with you .^ I wish I could he; at least I 
wish I could be indifferent ; that's better than being angry. 

Sol. {to himself). I know what bloaters are. 

John {goes round at hack to Solomon). Good evening, grandfather. 

Sol. Ah, John 1 There — there's Grace Emery there— fine girl — 
you're a fine boy — my boy's boy. Kiss her; kiss her — she kissed me — 
kiss her ! 

Mrs. p. (l. c). Now, did you ever! Oh, he's the wickedest old man 
sometimes; you've no idea how he goes on; but we don't take any 
notice of him. 

Sol. Where's my pocket hankeycher 1 

John. Here in your hand, grandfather. 

Sol. {looking in his other hand). What's this 1 

John. A snutf-box. 

MiiS. P. Grace gave it to hini ; he's forgot all about that, {shop hell 
rings.) 

Voice {without, l ). Half a pound of mottled soap, please. 

Mrs. p. Half a pound of mottl6d soap — yes, ma'am, I'm coming. 

[Exit, door l. 

John {coming down r.). Grace, this is a very humble roof to shelter 
you. I fear you will feel rather degraded. 

Grace {wholiasbeen sitting, r. c, rises). Degraded, John 1 I'm under 
the roof of an honest man, and what is more, my dear friend. I hope 
the education which ray father bestowed upon me will never make me 
ashamed of those who have a claim upon my love. 

John {sighs). Ah ! 

Grace. Nor would it become you, John, to blush at the home which 
misfht have been grander if your father had been less liberal in fitting 
yo'i for a superior position. 

John. I trust I am not wanting in gratitude or affection, but I some- 



8 THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 

times think I might Iiave been happier had I been apprenticed to a 
tradesman, instead of being a supeiior drudge in a lawyer's ofBce. My 
father and yours were botli uneducated ; but yours realized money, 
and mine is respected for bis honesty ; many men of education fail to 
achieve those ends. 

Sol. {to himself). Don't tell me! It was Blucher as won Waterloo. 

Grace (l.). Honesty, John, will always be an aid to advancement. 

John (r ). It seems not; for in Chetty's office I can't help feeling I 
am treated with a degree of susj)icion which I don't deserve. I wish I 
were far away from this place. I have nothing here to hope for. * 

Grace. Your parents surely deserve your thoughts. 

Joiix. They do ; but in my present position I know that I can neTer 
assist them. 

Sol. Where is my hankeycherl 

Grace. There, in your hand ! {to John) Poor old man ; how his facul- 
ties fail him ! 

Sol. You and John ought to marry. Fine young fellow ! /was like 
him five year ago ! 

Grace {turning away from Solomon, goes down e.). How absurdly 
he talks. 

John (l.). Absurdly, indeed! And yet, Grace, at one time I thought 
— that is — I hoped that 

Grace. What, John? 

John. No matter ; I can tell you nothing more than you have long 
known ; don't turn from me, Grace ; I am not pleading for a return of — 
it cannot be. Before the cruel sentence in your father's will forbade 
our union, I had felt how hopeless was my — love. You are engaged to 
another ; I know it. For any recklessness in my future conduct, judge 
not harshly. 

Grace. Oh, John — if — but there ; take my hand ; we must try and be 
sincere friends. I will think of you as my brother. 

John. Think of me as one trying in absence to forget the first grief 

of his life. I can never look upon you the wife of — of (going itp 

for his liat.) 

Grace. Don't reproach me. I have prayed for fortitude to adopt the 
path of duty. 

John. Giace, do you love him % 

Grace. You have no right to ask that, John. I am obeying my 
father's dying wish. 

John. I have told you I am not pleading for myself; I have aban- 
doned all hope; but pause, unless you are sure of this man's love. 

Grace. What other motive (Jan he have? To him my money must 
appear an insignificant trifle. 

John. Yet my impression is, that if that money were lost to you, you 
would never become his wife. 

Grace. For shame, John ; you speak at random ; you have no cause 
for saying so. 

John. Did you know how insulting and suspicious his conduct has 
been to me, you would not think I was bound to conceal my thought of 
him. But his tyranny is over ; I have endured it long enough. 

Grace. Have you never merited his suspicions! 

John. Grace ! 

Grace. I mean, has he never told you why he thus treats you? 

John. Never ! What do you mean ? 

Grace. Is it possible 1 

Sol. Fauntleroy was executed in eighteen twenty-four. 



THE CHIMNEY CORNER. • « 

Re-enter Mrs. Probity, from shop, l. 

Mrs. p. Here's Peter coming down the street arm in arm with a 
policeman. I hope lie arn t got into trouble. Run, John, and meet 
him, tliere'.s a good lad. [Exit John, i,., followed by Mrs. Peobity. 

Grace. Poor Joliii ! He httle knows how deep my regard for him 
migiit have been, had it not been for his own conduct. The struggle 
has been severe, but I ho[)e I have conquered. 

Peter {heard toithout, l.). There, Bobby, B 82, get yourself some- 
thing to drinli ; I'm much obleeged to you; I'm safe now in my own 
castle. Old woman, here I am, literary worth my weight in gold — 
ha! ha! 

Enter Peter Pkobity, l., followed by Mrs. Probity and John, loho 
goes up and sits l. of fire. 

Pkter {to Grace). Ah, Tot ! — you're here all right, eh ? and I'm 
here all right; well, two rialits cant make a wrong — ha! ha. \ {giving 
hat and coat, etc., to Mrs. Probity, wlto hangs them rij), l.) I toddled 
off to Lombard st.reet after you left me, and got the stock-broker's 
check changed — one thousand six hundred ar,d twenty-tln-ee pound, 
seven shilling's and eight-pence ; think o' that ! The banker's clerk, a 
bald-headed, young-looking, clergyman sort o' fellow, asked me " How 
I'd have it V I thouuht that was as much as to say, " Don't you wish 
you may get it?" So, says I, "If you haven't got so mucli in the 
house, say so." {shop bell rings) Patty, there's a customer for dips, make 
haste in again, for I want you to see tlie money ; you can judge then 
what the gold ditrains are like. [Exit Mrs. Puobity, door, l. 

But here itis I {pulling a large black pocket-book, out of his breast pocket) 
" You'd like it small, I suppose ?" said Mr. Clerk, and shovels me — 
litera y shovels me fifty-three sovereisns first, and then tosses me three 
bundled and fourteen fi' pun' notes, {imitating bank style of counting 
notes) Rather a large way of giving it small. 

Re-enter Mrs. Probity. 

Just look here, dowager ; three hundred and fourteen fi' pun' notes, 
pitched at me as if they'd been so many curl papers ; bless you, that 
was Mr. Clerk's deepness. I'll be bound it's given his bank a shaking, 
to draw all that out at once. Look at 'ern, Patty, {placing it on table.) 

Mrs, p. (l.). Mercy on us ; how ever do they find time to make such 
a quantity ! 

Sol. ywho has just wakened from a doze). Is — is that Grace's 
money, eh 1 

Peter. There, now, hark at daddy — he knows. 'Who'd 'a thought he 
knew anything about it? {goes up to Solomon and bawls at him) Yes, 
daddy, here it is, as right as ninepence ! {corbies down again to others) 
'Well, I was nervous enough, I can tell you, at having that in my pocket, 
so I went and stopped for an hour or two at my friend Whiting's (a gen- 
tleman who keeps a milk shop in Burking-house Lane) and thinks I, 
now if any garotters are a dodging me, I'll tire 'em out. Well, when I 
got out o' the oninibust just now, seeing some ticket-o'-leave-looking 
customers hanging about, I goes up to a peeler, " B, 32," and, says I, 
" I've got jiroperty about me to a con — siderable extent ; I give myself 
in charge for you to see me safe home. I keep a chandler's shop," says 
I — " and {pompously) I'm sole execwtor and trustee to a heiress." So 
he s.^e me safe home — and here I am. 



JQ • THE CHIMNKY COKNER. 

Mrs. p. Mercy on us ; what are you going to do with it till to-mor- 
row ? I shan't sleep a wink. . ,, . , ^ *u 1 1 **i 

Peter (c). Bless you, I shall sit up with it all night -the old rattle 
in one hand and the poker in the other, ready to defend it to the last 
srasp' Patty, hand me the cash-box, there's only some tax-papers in 
it (Mrs Probity gets a small black japanned box from desk into 
which Peter carefully places the money and locks *«) There, my Japa- 
nese, you never afore had so much in your inside. 1 don't lose sight of 

^""GRACE^f .)^"lt's a deal of trouble for you, Peter, but I must make it 
up to vou somehow or other. , , , . ■, -ni -i t- >„ 

Peter Trouble, my girl! a trouble for my old friend, Phil Emery s 
chikl-a child that we weaned (didn't we, Patty 1), and you was uncom- 
mon rusty about changing your diet. You was a most lively customer 
in the middle of the night, and always found your appetite as soon as 
Pd found my first sleep; and the colds I caught in '"y >«§« °/^'"*^^'; 
Tii>.hts was awful, through my having to jump out of bed in a flimsy 
dress, to walk you up and down the room-you was owdacious, you 
was 'but we grew fond o' one another- didn't we 1 Give me a kiss 
(/.me.<; Grace) I wish you health to ^njoy your money no^gnj, and 
may you get a husband as'll husband it. By-the-by I met Mi. Charles 
Cliettv at the corner of the street, and he says he shall drop in to see 
ylu bVand-by. The idea of a gentleman like him coming into my 
cabhi ■ He'll look like a chandelier in a back kitchen Patty, get the 
oom titivated; Til mind the shop till we shut up. (^^^^r^ge.coa^ and 
puts on apron, e.) You must be tired, old woman 5 ^een on y u, legs 
all day. I've no hesitation in declaring that a chandler s shop is a \eiy 

harassing business. . , ■r^ ,\ t cV.nii an out 

John Icoming down,i.). Mr. Charles conring ^^ather, I shall go out 

Peter {crosses to John). What for, my boy 1 ^ «'Vt T Jd ud hiL 
meeting your master, are you % An honest lad ought to hold up his 

head afore a kin2. , , 

Mrs P (r). Besides, you'll wan't your supper, John, deal. 

John N^ o ! I cannot meet him here-not here ! {takes Us hat) I 
have tSe kej^ ; don't sit up. ^ [Erit, l. ^oor-bMhca^^d^ 

Peter. Poor boy ! poor boy ! Ah, Tot, I can guess what his tiouble 
is ; but he'll get over it— poor lad, poor lad ! 

GuACE (r.).I am sure he will— I hope so. 

Pkter (c /was in love once, before I knew my old woiuan. She 
wa^ mnnlLr two, bless her. {te^cing Mrs. Probity's ^^^^'f^fS'^^^ 
and kissing her) Number one was no go ; and my eyes '«^ ^ ^'-i;' ^\^^ 
lost twentv-one ounces a-day, but I survived it and corpulencj set lu. 
It's iust like getting over the measles, or any other eruption. 

Miis P. iL). How you do go on, Peter ? {goes up.) 

Peter. Well, it is a delicate subject ; drop it, {aside to G^^o^) She 
doesn't like to hear about nu.nber oue {aloud) Ju.s help Pa t> to lay 
the cloth; let's have a bit o' supper. (Ghace assists ^us Probity, w/io 
spreads the cloth and places the supper things from «"i^^''«'«'^^;^',f^;' 
ing Irish stew from saucepan on the fire) 'm '-^^^^'.'''^''y =^,^, VTli ornv 
half rations, {shop bell rings) There's tiie shop ! 1 11 pn tins Ca o ny 
away, {places tin box in the escritoir, i., '"'^^^'^''f * v"^'' 7J^;„ n i n v 
raps impatiently on the counter outside) Conuug ! You aie ,n any, 
vou are ; vou ought to be served by macliinery. 1^^.^, L. aoo) . 

Sol. Hide it, hide it ! I was twice broken into, long ago— long ago ! 
Where's my hankeycherl . f^,. ci-^ 

Pete.c {looking in, l.). Patty, are we out of herring, eight foi six- 
penny's 1 



THE CHIJINEY COKNEE. 11 

Mrs. p. No ; there's two in the old candle-box under the counter. 

[Exit Peter, l. 
Now, giandfather, here's your gruel — there, stir it up; it's nice and 
thick, (pours out basin of gruel from saucepan on hob, and gives it to 

SOLOMOX.) 

Sol. They broke into a house in Cheapside in eighteen nine. 

Mrs. p. (to Grace). I don't know what he's talking about; it's won- 
derful how he amuses himself with his own thoughts, (bar, bolts, and 
bell heard.) 

Re-enter Pbter, l., icith a jug in his hand. 

Peter. Now, mother, here's the beer. I've shut up ; no more flve- 
farthing customers to-night. Sit down — sit down, Tot. \they sit round 
the table — Grace, r., Peter, c, Mrs Probity, l ) Now, Tot, a nice bit 
o' this lobscouse. Ah, many a night, in our bachelor days, have your 
poor father and me supped together on tripe. 

Gkace. Oq tripe 1 

Peter. Yes, on tripe ; — he was in the leather trade then — and talked 
about our schemes for making money. (/ieZps Grace) He did manage to 
make a little in foreign parts. Now. Patty, a bit o' this 1 He didn't 
buy shares in the Llanfrothy Copi)er Mines as /did, with my poor sav- 
ings, three year ago. Shares that co.st me ten pound each, and now 
wouldn't fetch me ten pence — got eightj'^ of 'em. 

Mrs. p. Ah, Peter; you wouldn't take my advice. 

Peter. Why, old woman, after I'd done it, and found out my bad 
bargain, you said you wouldn't have bought them if you'd been me — 
that was your advice. It's like prophesying, if a man hadn't died he'd 
a lived. But, there — there — the moneys gone — gone — gone! and I'm 
a poor man ; but I'm respected for all that ! Ain't I left sole execwtor 
and trustee to a heiress, eh. Tot ? (shop bell rings.) 

Mrs. p. (rises, and looks through door window, l.). Oh, lor ! it's Mr. 
Charles Chetty ! (opens door) Good evening, sir ; vt'on't you honor us by 
walking in, sir 1 Miss Emery is inside, sir. • 

Enter Charles Chetty, l. d. 

Peter (rising, and talcing off his apron). Proud to see you, sir, in 
my humble scantum scantorum. Excuse my speaking Latin so late at 
night ; proud to see you, sir. 

Charles [puts hat on desk, and crosses at back to n.). Grace, you see 
I've found you out. I was determined to come and bid you good-night, 
as I liadn't seen you to-day. So you've been to the broker's 1 

Petkr (c). Sit down, sir, pray. (Charles crosses in front, and sits 
L. of table) Yes, we've been transacting a -lot o' business to-day ; sold 
out o' the three per cents — consols up at ninety-si.^ and three eights — 
noi so bad, eh ? What's your opinion, Mr. Chetty, junior. 

CiiAg. I don't trouble my head much about consols. 

Peter. No — quite so — ^just so. But as I'm sole executor and trustee, 
and you're the solicitors to the estate, we ought to take a little interest 
in it, eh ? Ex- use 7ne, you — you know. Would you honor us by tr}'- 
i^g a bit o' lobscouse 1 

Sol. (to himself). I don't like lawyers. All rogues — all rogues ! 

Chas. Wliat's that 1 

Mrs. p. (l.). Oh, it's grandfather, you mustn't mind him ; he doesn't 
know what he says ; lie tliinks he's thinking, (goes to Solomon and 
takes away the empty gruel basin.) 

Chas. 1 wish he'd think more pohtely. 



12 THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 

Peter. It catne in very funny, thonsh, didn't it? ha I ha ! A won- 
derful man for turned ninety, eli, Mr Charles'? 

Ohas. Time he was gone, I sliould think. 

Peter {eating). Well, I don't see it in that way. That old man is 
my father, and a good father he was to me; we are all fond of hira, 
and if it wasn't out of the course of nature, I should like him to last as 
long as /lasted, for I should scarcely fancy a home without him. Will 
yon'obleege me by taking a bit o' this lobscouse 1 

Chas. No, I thank you. 

Sol. Our .John ought to marry that gal! 

Chas. What does he say ? 

Grace. Nothing : don't pay any attention to hira, poor old man. 

Chas. I suppose, like children, "he repeats the remarks he learns in the 

family. , . ^ 

Peter. No, Mr. Charles, excuse me ; he didn t hear it from us, be- 
cause, in the first place, he's as deaf as a post. 

Chas. Then you may spare your other reasons. 

Sol. Whv don't you give me my gruel "? 

Mas. P. '{himling to Solomon). You've bad it— you've eat it! {to 
Charles) He forgets a thing the moment he's done it. John can make 
him understand better than anv of us ; he's very proud of John. 

Peter. And so, for the matter o' that, are loe, Mr. Charles. And now 
I've the opportunity of saying it, I hope he gives satisfaction in the 
office, and that when there's an opening you'll give the lad a sort of 
rise — ^just to encourage him. 

Mrs. p. Yes, sir ; I'm sure I shall feel grateful if you'll use your in- 
terest for the boy, and Grace will he grateful too ; won't you, Grace 1 

Peter. Old woman, I object to that. As far as your being grateful, 
that's all well and good, but when you hold out Tot's gratitude, it looks 
like a bribe; and a bribe to a gentleman like Mr. Charles is an insult. 
By-the-bv, Mr. Charles, are you fond of pickled onions 1 

Chas. Eh 1 „ , , 

Peter. I' v© some first-raters in the shop, and if you 11 put a bottle or 
two in your pocket 

Chas. I'm obliged to you— no. 

Peter, The object's nothing to me, you know. I buy them whole- 
sale, four bottles "at a time. But touching my boy ; whether you rise 
him'or not, I know he does his best to deserve it ; he's a noblo lad, and 
while we're on that subject, I'm sure you'll not think it out o' place 
when I say both me and the old woman felt that remark at the bottom 
of my friend Emery's will very keenly. Phil. Emery, sir, was at one 
time "like mv brother, and I shouldn't have expected he would have in- 
troduced any slur on the son of the man he thought worthy of making 
his sole executor and trustee. 

Chas. What is the " slur," as you call it I 

Peter. Why this here. I've got a copy of the will here {goes to desk 
for it) and I'll ju^t read it. , , , . 

Chas. {rises). Oh, spare me, Mr. Probity. I like to leave the shop at 
home. , , „ J. , ■ 

Peter {returns to table, they sil). Then there's no fear of being 
cluM-o-ed six-and-eightpence if you open your mouth (of course tins is 
onlyli little bit of friendly gossip). Here it is. {shoiring mil) Well, 
after leavin" his money and estate in trust to Peter Probity, chandler— 
that's me— for Grace So-and-so, and so forth, he goes on and declares 
his last wish that she should marry you, Charles Chetty. That's all fair 
aud above-board ; I don't object to that. 
Chas. Thank you! 



THE CHIIIXEY COKNER. 13 

Peter. This is what sticks in my tliroat — tliis here proviser, or codi- 
cil, or wliatever j'ou call it— that before receiving her legacy, she is re- 
quired, within one calendar month of her father's death, to nial;e a 
written declaration never to marry my son John without the consent of 
your fatiier, or she loses every penny, and all the money is to go into 
vour father's pocket. Now, I say ail that's unkind, and I feel it — I 
feel it ! 

Chas. You're getting excited. 

Petek. Excited, Mr. Clietty ! He's a good lad, and don't ought (o 
have such a slur cast upon him. I'm vain of the boy ; and why 
shouldn't I be 1 I've spent every rap as I could screw out of my 
profits on his education, and he does me infamous credit. He's a good, 
honest, upright boy. 

Chas. For aught ^(?zi know. 

Peter. As I do know. I never heard a word against his conduct ; 
and I want to learn the cause of Emery's insult; for, put it how you 
will, it is an insult. 

Chas. AVell, my good sir, let us drop the subject. 

Grace. Stay I Is it possible, Peter, that you do not know the 
reason 1 

Chas. Let's drop the si;bject, my dear girl. 

Grace (rises). No ! I must know one thing. Peter, is it possible that 
you have never been told 

Peter. Mercy on us! Told what 1 

Chas. In a few words I'll enlighten you. A check from our iirm was 
paid, some seven weeks back, which turned out to be a forgery, 
and — — 

Peter {throwing doicn Ms Icnife and fork). Wliat? 

Chas. Mr. John Probity is the only clerk who had access to the 
check-book, and we — we, in point of fact — rather suspect him. 

Peter. And what says my son 1 AVhat said he, sir 1 

Chas. We have never accused him — we did not think it policy 'to 
do so. 

Mrs. p. {p.rying). I'm sure that ray dear boy is as honest as the day. 
I'm sure 

Peter. Be quiet, old woman ! {rises — with trenibling voice) And 
your "policy," sir, is to stand in the way of my boy clearing himself of 
such an awful suspicion 1 

Chas Well, as it's only ii suspicion, you see 

Peter. Only a suspicion ! 

Grace. But iny father, on his death-bed, and while signing that will, 
was told, Charles, by Mr. Chetty, that it was j9?'ot'erf against him; that 
John Probity had been guilty of forgery to a large amount. 

Chas I don't remember that. I am not answerable for my father's 
words ; he might or might not have said so. 

Grace. I heard it ; and I was not more shocked than I am now at 
learning that neither he nor his father were aware of the accusation. 

Peter {dashing his fist on the will). It's accounted for! 

Mus. P. {crying). It's a cruel shame — that's what it is ! 

PErEK. Quiet! quiet, old woman! {rises) Take these supper things 
away; I've Jiad enough ! {pause. Yeter goes down r., Mrs. Probity 
begins to clear away supper things.) 

Peter (r., icith as.'<uined calmness). Mr. Charles Chetty — sir — may T 
respectfully inquire — to — how many lias this — srispicion been confided 1 

Chas. {ri.ses\ Oh, to very few — that is to say — to our principals — 
and to an official 

Peter. Official ! In honest English words, you mean a detective ? 



14 THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 

CuAS. Well ; in point of fact — yes. 

Pktek. Patty, (Mrs. Probity comes down r ) that fellow who has 
thrust Ilia nose in here so often under pretence of selling ])atash and 
soda is a police spy, for whose attentions we are indebted to the kind- 
ness of Messrs. Chelty, File »& Company. Now look here, Mr. Churle.s 
Chetty — you're the son of my son's master, and as such I will treat 
you with all the respect I can ; but I must speak my mind if I die for 
it. A simple word expressed in this will that you should be the hus- 
band of Grace would have been enough both for me and my s(,n ; be- 
sides, I don't loish my boy to be indebted to any woman for his start in 
the world — ice have too much spirit for that. 

CuAS. Your manner seems to insinuate that /have not 

Peter, Never mind my insinuating manner. It's my opinion that 
this foul charge has been trumped up to a dying man — in your favor — 
to prevent such an event; and I say. sir — -I say {striking the table) it's 
a scandalous lie ! And till it's proved to be a lie, and apologized for, 
ray son doesn't enter the doors of your olBce again ! Give ine my 
pipe, old woman; I want something to calm my nerves ! {goes up, Mrs. 
Probity gives Mm jnpe, etc.) 

Sol. Fox was a cunning chap ; but Charley made a mess of it in 
eighty-three. 

CiiAS. Very well, Mr. Probity ; 1 have respected your paternal feel- 
ings, and this is what I get by it. {going.) 

Peter {at lack of table). Stop ! stop ! In this here " Re Emery, 
diseased," you see 1 am acting with your firm. There's the stock- 
broker's certificate, {bringing it from desk, loith cash-box) 1 just want 
you to see that I have the money here all right, or the Lord Chancellor 
only knows what you may suspect me of. {opens cash-box on table) 
Look here; just in the way of business count it, if you please; you will 
find sixteen hundred and twenty-three pound, seven shillings and eight- 
pence. 

CuAS. It's no part of my duty to count your notes to-night; you will 
please to come with the money to our office to-morrow morning. I wish 
you a very good evening. Good-bye, Grace ; I will have some explana- 
tory conversation with you to-morrow. 

Grace (r.). Good-night, Mr. Chetty. 

Peter (w^' ^- ^O- Good-night, sir; good night. I meant to sit up all 
night, and a good job I did mean it ; for you've spoilt my sleep for a 
night or two. Good-bye. Patty, let him out. 

[Exeunt Mrs. Probity and Charles Cuetty, h.— bell heard. 

Sol. There was a great robbery in eighteen one ; four njen hanged. 
(Peter is gathering up the money.) 

Re-enter Mrs. Probity, l. 

Mrs. p. (l.). Oh, Peter! {casting herself on his neck) My poor John — 
T wish he'd come home! 

Pethr (r. c). So he will; and it'll all be set right to-morrow; but, 
P.itty, look here, don't say anything to him to-night ; the lad shan't have 
Ills rest disturbed by such an owdacious accusation. No, no — let me 
break it to him at breakfast to-morrow. 

Grace (r., taking Peter's hand). Take comfort, Peter; I feel as if a 
sorrow were ronovvd from mij mind ; for it now seems to me certain 
that John has been unjustly accused. 

Peter {kissing Grace). Thank you for (hat. Tot : and /feel as cer- 
tain of it as that I i)lace my hand upon this tin box, and put it in this 
here desk, {puts the box inside, but does not shut up desk — Solomon is 



THE CHEMNEY CORNER, 15 

observinff Petek' s actions from Ids corner) Tliongli I'm sorry, my lamb, 
tliaL I'vo li.ul to offend a senlleman who is likely to be your husband, 
but as a father, what could I do 1 {comes down, c.) 

Grace. Say nothing more now, Peter ; the last hour has filled my 
mind with doubts. I wish for rest. Patty, will you show me where I 
am to sleep 1 Shall I sleep in my own old room ? 

Mrs. p. Certainly, my darling. Follow me. Here's a candle. 
(lights one.) 

Grace. Good-night, Peter. Good-night, grandfather, {the fire begins 
gradually to die out.) 

{Exit, up the stairs, R.jfoUdtcing Mrs. Probity. 

Peter {sits r. c, smoking his pipe). It's a credible thing to be able 
to command one's temper ; and 1 shall instantly promote myself in my 

own opinion for being so calm — so Dash him/ {breaking his pipe 

in small pieces) They're lawyers, too — lawyers ! Chancery Lane versus 
Chandler s Shop ! I'll trounce 'em ! for even lawyers can't take a lad's 
character away without being trounced — and Til trounce 'em ! Won't 
1 ? I will, though. I've got an old law book up stairs — " Law's a Seri- 
ous Call " — I'll din into that; and if I don't make a serious call for a 
thousand pounds damages — {rises) there — there's the firejust out ! (Mrs. 
Probity appears on the staircase, r.) 

Mrs. p. Peter, you've never ])luggpd up the window of the front 
bed-room, as j'ou said you would ; and the draught comes in like any- 
thing. The dear girl will catch her death. 

Peter. I'll come and do it now; it won't take a minute. Old 
woman, come heie. (.Mrs. Probity comes doicn, crying). Now what s 
the use of your sniveling 1 Well, you are one of the weakest-mindedest 
females that ever — tliere you go again, (kisses her) Ciieer up, my girl ; 
we've never allowed anything to trouble us much, and this is only the 
ghost of a trouble ; we shall have forgot all about it in a week. 

Mrs. p. {crying). No, Peter, I shall never forget it. 

Peter. Well, of all the imbesilliness — why, we ought to rejoice— to 
exult at the insult — because we knoio it's only a lie. How miserable 
we should 'a been, old woman, if we'd thought it might 'a been true. 
Cheer up, mother, (sings) " Cheer up, Sam " — come along — let's be jolly ! 
(going to the stairs, sings) " Away with Me-lancho-ly — there you go 
again ! Well, of all the [Exit up stairs with Mrs. Probity. 

Sol. (solus). Hide it! hide it ! Deal of money in the box — hide it! 
(rises from the great arm-chair, from which he has not moved during 
the scene, with much difficulty, and totters across, 2)eering suspiciously 
around Jiim ; looks into desk, and takes out the cash-box; closes the 
desk and advances, hugging the box) The thieves shan't have it — they 
may look — he, he, he! (chuckles) Y{\([e it, hide it! there's a corner up 
the chimney — I know ; two bricks out — up the chimney — up the chim- 
ney ! (goes to the fireplace, and tcith much difficulty , from weakness of 
age, places th.e box up i/ie c/iimHe^) There, they shan't have it! The 
robbers can't find it — deal of money. Where — where's my hankeycher "? 
I got u]) to look for my hankeycher. [sinks into arm-chair again) I — I 
— haven t had my gruel ! (hell heard.) 

Enter John Probity, l. d. 

John {in a depressed tone, placing a note upon the trthle). There, 
father will see that. By to-mori'ow I shall be two hundred miles away 
from London. I cannot stay — nor could I endure a leave-taking. 
They will eventually know that there may be wisdom even in rashness, 
for only in absence can I find new energy to battle with the world.- I 



16 THE CHIMNEY COEXER. 

will not stay to see her the wife of another, and he a man I must daily 
salute as my master — no — no — away! away! llie train will start in five 
minutes {goes vp to Solomon) Good-bye, graiidfaiher ! bless yon ! hero, 
give this note to I'atlier. {lakes the note from the table, 2:>'''iees it in Solo- 
mon's 7,'«Hrf, and S2:)eaks in Jds ear) This note — -for father I Now for 
my little store uf money whicli I linve lioaided for this purpose and 
hidden in this desk, (opens desk etnd takes out of ei secret draicer some 
money tcra2)ped in a jyajyer) Look, grandfather, I have some monej* — 
money! {shotcsit) 

Sol. Yes — yes — money ; / see. 

John {eiside). He will perhaps tell them that, and ease (heir minds 
respecting my immediate necessities. Farewell home! farewell, till I 
can revisit you with a lighter heart! 

[Krit, L. — the outside door is heard to shut— bell. 

Sol. Fine young fellow— strapping lad; my John — he's got the 
money — plenty of money — yes, yes — where — where's my hankeycher ? 
I want my gruel ! 

Re-enter Petkr, doion the stairs, e. 

Peter {humming a tune). " Bright chanticleer proclaims the dawn " 
— a scoundrel ! Til trounce him! \\hy, there's my old father there — 
ninety-one — in nine years he 11 be a centurion — and Ids father — all 
honest men — we've been noted as an honest family for three generations, 
and now to he — {sings desperately) " With a heigh ho ! tivj' tivy I tantivy ! 
tantivy!" Ill make him cry peccavi ! (.si«^.s) " This day a stag must 
die!" — and I must find another i)ipe ; can't get on to-night without 
smoking like a chimney a-fire. Tobacco's a soothative, as tlie doctors 
."^ay ; so I'll get some nigeer-head out of the shop. Lor ! — there's tho 
fire quite out — I'll get a bundle of wood ; we must try and have hiia 
up again, {gets a, bundle of icood from l. (f fircplaee, and begins to 
put it into firegrate) Daddy ! it s bedtime for yon ; {baicls) Aru t you 
for Bedfordshire? Bedtime ! half-past ten — shall I help you ? 

Sol. Jolm's just gone out — he — he's got the money. 

Peter {lighting the fire). John ! nonsense ! John went out a long 
time ago ; he'll soon be in now, ])oor fellow— little guessing what he'll 
have to hear to-morrow; but we'll trounce 'em ! 1 must get another 
pipe ; I used the other as a vent-peg to my temper, {goes to l. of fire- 
place for pij)e. ) 

Sol. Hide the money ! hide it! lots o' thieves! 

Petei:. What do yon say, daddy ? 

Sol. The money ! the money ! (pointing to the desk.) 

Peter. Ah! I've left the key in the desk ! old daddy can see that; 
his eye-si^ht can't be so bad, after all {goes to the desk to lock it) The 
idea of having to set up and watch such a concern as this cash-box ! 
{looks into the desk) Snch a small concern as — as — this — where is it 1 
where 7 — I — I surely— yes, I put it in here — {peisses his hand over his 
f)rehcad) Let me think; I — 1 can't think, I seem bewildered! What 
shall Idol I can't think! I've flurried myself, and scared awny niy 
memory. Did I not i)lace it here 1 Yes ! yes ! Wi'eie is it ? Oh, 
mercy on me — where 1 {looking about room) Has — has Patiy taken it, 
up stairs 7 — no — I'm sure I ])laced it in here ; but I'll ask her. {calling 
up the stairs) Patty ! Patty ! 

Mhs. P. {from above). 'iV hat's the matter ? 

Pi'/iER. Nothing's tho matter, mother; but come down directly, 
jdease. 

Mrs. P. I'll come. 



THE CHIMNEY COKNEK. 



17 



Peter. Of course it's allriglit! I'tn well aware o' that — it tnust be 
here somewhere — but, oh, lor, I'm in a cold perspiration, and feel — 
ah! ha! I'm sucli an old fool — feel' ready to faint. It mxifit be 
all rjulit ; but I left the ke\' in the lock — has — has any one been \ No — 
the shop door's snai)ped. Ha! ha! ha! he! he! howl shall laugh at 
myself directly, when I find it's all right. What a stew I'm putting my- 
self ill al)out nothing. 

Sol. John's got the money — plenty of money — took it out of the 
desk — plenty of money. 

Peter. What? what do you say 1 John been herel John 1 

Sol. Ves, took the money and went away. 

Petek (crosses to Vi). He taken it 1 he? Oh, to some place of se- 
curity; but why not tell me 1 a foolish lad. {to Solomon i Wliat's that 
pai)er in your hand 1 {takes the note out of Solomon's hand) This is 
John's writing — this will explain it all. {opening note) Ha! ha! here's 
the old woman ; the engine comes when the fire's out. 

Enter Mrs. Pijobity from the staircase, r. 

You may go up again, mother, now ; but stay! here's something wrote 
by John. Where's my barnacles 1 — find my specs, there's a good soul 
— quick ! Ah, now for it. [puts on spectacles and reads) " Dear parents, 
I trust you will forgive your boy the present rash act " 

r<lRS."P. W/iat rash act, Peter 1 

Peteu {with a trembling voice). " But to see such a treasure possess- 
ed by another, nas more than I could endure, and I have fled 

Mrs. P. What does he mean 1 My boy gone ? Peter— Peter, dear, 
how ghastly you look ! 

Peter. Here's more! {reads) " I have fled, knowing you love me too 

much to bring me back to a trial which would kill me " I'll read no 

more — cruel boy, as I tear your confession, so have you torn my old 
heart, {tearing up the paper) You— you have killed me ! Oh, Patty ! 
Patty ! Patty ! 

Mrs. p. I don't understand his letter. 

Peter. But /do ! /do now ! If tins was the last night we had to 
live it would be well for us. But — but I lose time ; give me my coat, 
hat — quick! quick! (Mrs. Phobity goes tip for coat, etc.) V\\ follow 
him to the world's end, though I would rather have followed his coffin — 
his coffin. 

Mrs. p. {up l.). Don't talk so dreadfully. What has the poor boy 
done, Peter ] 

Peter. What has he f?(??ie .'^ No! no! believe him good for another 
hour — one more hour — good by ! {aside) Mercy ! he will be brought 
back a felon, {totters as if from faint ness.) 

Mrs. p. Peter ! Peter ! you are very ill ; I see it ! 

Peter {up Ij. in a passionate burst). My boy! my boy ! would that 
you lay stiff' and cold in the churchyard with your brothers, {music, 
very 2yi<^tno) My old heart— is — broken — broken, (bursts into hysterical 
tears and falls upon desk, h.— picture.) 



18 THE CHIMNEY COKNER. 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — The same as Act I. Old Solomon's cliair hy the fireplace 
is vacant, the fire out, and the clock stopped. 

Mrs. Probity sits hackc. weeping and rocking herself disconsolately in^ 
her chair. 

Mrs. p. a fortnight ! a whole fortnight ! and my boy has not come 
back to comfort us. 

Enter Peter from the shop, l. He looks haggard and careworn, 

cravat loose, soiled apron, etc. 

Peter. I wish my nnmerous customers would patronize some rival 
establisliment for a day or two ; x^^Y brain's a wool-gathering — I don't 
know what I'm about ; my mistakes are something awful. I've given 
wrong change four times — wrong articles all the morning, and just took 
this bit of a spurious pewter pot for a half-a-crown. {looks round at 
Mrs. Probity) There, talk about a wreck on the Goodman Sands — look 
there ! That poor creature's rocking herself into the grave ! (fo her) 
Patty, Patty, my woman, can't you manage to rouse up a bit 1 

Mrs p. What have I to live for"? 

Peter. Well, my woman. I sup])ose that's not a question for us to 
decide. Wlieri the proper time comes, no doubt we shall have the benefit 
of the 'Mancipation Act. To be sure there's a November fog of shame 
and ruin hanging over the chandler's shop ; but, [sitting down beside 
her) we've comforted one another for thirty-five year; we've been, I 
may say, all the world to each other, and why shouldn't we be now 1 

Mrs. p. {'placing her hand in Vei-ek's). We were never before tried 
like this, Peter ! {shop hell rings.) 

Peter (looking through door windoic). It's her — that poor, wronged 
girl ; when I look at her {goes itp l. n.) 

Enter GitACE, bonnet on, l. 

Grace {crosses c. to Mrs. Probity). You have thought me unkind that 
I have not come for so long, but I have been ill, and — Peter — Peter — 
{beckons him doion) how clianged you look! Do you then take poor 
John's dei)arLure so much to heart % 

Peter (lO- Not so much his departure from ^ls, as his departure from 
his good name ; he's lost that forever ! 

Grace (c). How 1 Have you, then, reason to think the fearful accu- 
sation against him has any foundation ? 

Peter. I won't tell a falsehood to you, my child ; though I have 
fallen so low that I would lie to the world to save him from — froiii 
transp — when I think of that, I can't even listen to the only friend 
who throws out something like comfort to hold on to. 

Grace. What friend, Peter? 

Phter. Conscience, Tot ; a clear conscience. I've asked myself if I 
ever set a bad example to the boy ; or if, knowingly, I ever allowed 
him to see it elsewhere; my conscience says "Never !" {sits l. of table) 
1 think I see him now, a little child on his knees, in his night-gown, lisp- 
ing his nightly ])vayer Xo—ijiointing to Mrs. Probity) with his tiny 

hands joined, and — ah, then — then (m tears, he falls tcith his head 

on table.) 



THE CHIlVrNEY COKNEK. 19 

Grace. Let us hope that wliat he repeated then may yet return to 
his lips, and brins; him back a penitent. He will tliinlc of it ; for he 
loved you. I am sure. 

Mrs. p. {seated, r. c ). Ah, even wlien acliild, he would save up his 
money out of his own head to make us a little present on our birth- 
days 

Peter. When he might 'a spent it in toys or toffee. 

Mrs. p. And kissed us, and bid us many 

Peter. Happy returns of the day. To-morrow's your birthday, 
Patty. {Jnttcrly) Happy returns ! 

Mi;s. P. Oh, Peter! {both crying — the sJiop bell rings.) 

Petkr. There's a customer; and here's a state we're both in! {both 
rise) I'll go, mother. 

Mrs. p. {crossing at back, to l.). No, dear, I'll go; it won't look so 
strange to see a woman crying as a man. 

Petei!. Perhaps not. Say you've got the influenza. 

Mrs. P. Yes, yes. Sit down, Peter, and look on the best side of 
things. [Exit Mrs. Probity, l. 

Peter. Well, if any one will be kind enough to poini out to me 
M'hich is the best side, that's the identical thing I should like to do. 
(crossing to n.) Affairs seem to me like a pane of glass with a hole in 
it — both sides alike. 

Grace. Surely, Mr. Chetty will not be harsh with John, even if the 
suspicion prove just 1 

Pi'.TER. Something tells me that mercy is no part of the stock-in- 
trade of Chetty, Fiie & Company. 

Grace. I was this morning sent for to their office, and presented 
w.'th a paper to sign 

Peter. A document! 

Grace. Renouncing John — but I refused. 

Peter. Refused! Why refuse 1 

Grace I know nothing of law ; but I was still under the impression 
that my father had been imposed upon, (aside) I cannot tell him now, 
that in my joy at believing John innocent, I had determined to become 
his, even though I renounced all ; the hope is past, and forever ! He 
need not know it. 
- Peter. Did Chetty — make any remark about 

Grace. The money which you hold in your possession, Peter ? Yes. 
(Pjjter turns aicay) Had we not better, for safety, place it in a banker's 
hand { You might he robbed of it. 

Peter. Robbed ! Yes — but wait a little longer, because — you see — 
investing — that is — dei)Ositing — takes a deal of time — and you — you 
don't understand business ; you said you didn't just now. 

Grace. Do you think it safe, Peter ] 

Petkr. Safe? Yes — it — oh, I can't. My child — my own darling 
Tot — it's gone — gone ! 

Grace. Gone! 

Peter. Gone! you're penniless! I've been robbed, and by that 
cruel, heartless boy ! Don"t look so pale, child ; transport him if you 
like — me too! — me too! I've kept this dreadful secret, till I feel as 
guilty as him. 

Grace. Merciful powers ! I see it all ! 

Petek {leaning on chair, r. c). Yea, that's the look I expected ; you 
want levenge I — you're right! AVhy should I screen a villain because 
he happens to be my own flesh and blood 1 

Grace. You cruelly wrong me, Peter ; as there is a judge of the 
heart, my sole feeling is pity for you, my poor friend. 



20 THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 

Peter (seated r. c). You're a — a — I can't say what I would; it's 
here — a lot of words stickiiii^ in my throat. 

Grace. One thing must bo don "- vitliout a moment's delay; don't 
question me — don't grieve ! I will leave you for awhile witli your 
friend — the good conscience, {going ; returns and kisses him.) 

[Exit hurriedly, l. — hell heard. 

Peter. There'.s a girl, who can find herself tumbled from indepen- 
dence to beggary, and yet give a word of comfort to tlie authors of her 
ruin. 

Enter Mrs. Probity /rojTi shop, l. 

Mrs. p. What a hurry Grace is in ! I was serving the red-haired 
boy from number !ifi-een as she went, or — by-the-by, Peter, you'd served 
him with size instead of treacle. 

Peter (r., sighs). I dare say I did ! I'm not fit — we're neither of us 
fit. Have you been up to daddy lately 1 

Mrs. p. Yes, poor old man ; he seems as if he knew that something 
was wrong with us. He wanted to come down just now, but he; was 
too weak to get to the stairs. 

Peter. Wiiat a blessing to him now is the loss of his faculties ! 

Mrs. p. Peter, did you see that sunshine that burst out just now % 

Peter. I didn't notice it, old woman. 

Mrs. p. Oh, but /did, thougii, and it raised my spirits directly, for 
it seemed as much as to say, '' Things may look brighter when you 
least expect it ;"' so I'm resolved to try and be cheerful to-day. 

Peter. That's right, mother ! If a good woman is a crown to her 
husband, when we married it was my coronation-day, and no mistake. 
We'll both try, shall us 1 We'll both try. Shall I try and sing ■* 

Mrs. p. Oh, no, Peter; I couldn't bear to hear you do that. 

Pete'i. No; and what's more, [ suspect I should make a mess of it. 
I'll tell you what I'll do; I'll plunge into the shop — bury myself in 
business, {crosses to l.) 

Mrs. p. (r.). And serve size instead of treacle, you foolish old man ! 

Peter. Well, we can't all havi- the sweets of life for asking. Ah ! 
all ! does that sound liUe a joke, Patty "^ 

Mrs. p. Not much, Peter. 

Petek. No ; it's a failure ! (shop hell rings) There's a customer — now 
for it ! now to bwry myself in the vast ocean of commerce — now to 
serve a ha'porth of lucifers. 

As he goes to the door, l , enter Charles Chetty. Peter goes up 
quicJdy and closes desk. 

Chas. Mr. Probity, good daj^. You see I am bj' no means ceremoni- 
ous ; I make bold to walk in uninvited. 

Pkter {getting at back to c). Certaiidy, sir; I am generally to be 
found in my little sanctum sanctorum ; I 

Chas. (l.). You seem agaitated. Wiiy should my presence agitate 
you ] 

Peter (c). I'm in trouble — I've been serving size instead of treacle — 
I'm in troubl?, Mr. Charles. 

CuAS. Ah! your son. too, gone ! But I dare say, between ourselves, 
you know where he is to be found. 

PiiTRR. Don't trifle with me, sir, pray don't; you are a young man — 
a boy to me ; but the lime may come when a father's feelings won't be 
strangers to you. 

Mrs. p. (r.). And a mother's too ! 



THE CHIirXET COENEE. 21 

Peteh. Quiet, Patty; how can he be a mother ? 

Chas. I'll make free to take a seat, since I wish to speak to you on 
business, (sits l. of table) Now, touching this monej-, which, a fortnight 
ago, you sohl out of the three ])er cents. 

Pettlr (sits n of table and takes ujj account book). Excuse me, Mr. 
Charles, I'm tnkinij; stock to-day. 

Chas. It's inconvenient, no doubt, but after all, a matter of a few 
minutes. As the representative of my father, I demand to see the 
money; or, if you have reinvested it, as was proposed, the securities or 
legal vouchers. 

Mus. P. (seated n.). Oh dear! oh dear ! 

Peter. Quiet, Patty! I\Ir. Clietty. I believe I am sole executor and 
trustee, am I not ? Very well ! I am not bound to satify you on that 
point. 

Chas. Very likely not. But su])pose that the suspicious disappear- 
ance of your son, and your evasion of my demand, should give rise to 
painful conjectures as lo complicity and fraud. 

Mrs. p. Dear ! dear I What dreadful words ! 

Peter. Quiet, wife, (to Charles) If you suspect all that, sir, I must 
tell you that I know this much of the law, no one but Miss Emery can 
take proceedings. 

Chas. And you think she tcill not ; we shall see. But I must remai'k 
that your last observation opens my eyes as to the character of the 
man 1 have to deal with. 

Peter. I guess by that, sir, you mean I am a — rogue 1 

Chas. You are, in every way, more acute than many would give yon 
credit for. 

Peter (rising and speaking across table). Thank you, sir ! I'm 
sixty-one years of age, and this is the first time my legal knowledge 
has ever I'eceived such a compliment. I'm a rogue! (sits.) 

Chas. It is not unlikely that your aptitude for evasion may find a 
more public opportunity for development. A certain document was, by 
Mr. Emery's will, to be signed within one calendar month of his de- 
cease ; now he died at lialf-past eleven, ante meridian, (looking at Ids 
loatcli) My father is by this time residuary legatee, with the option of 
taking proceedings which may place you in the criminal dock. 

Mrs. P. (falling on her knees to Charles). Oh, Mr, Charles, have 
mercy upon us ! 

Petepw. Get up, Patty ! I don't like to see that. (Mrs. Probity rises) 
Mr. Charles Chetty, if you are in earnest in what you say, then heaven 
liel[) me, or take me this day — for I cannot produce the money, (goes to 
Solomon's chair.) 

Chas. And you offer no explanation : then Mr. Probity, the law must 
take its course, (rises.) 

Mrs. p. (crossing at back to Charles). Oh, sir I think Avhat you do ! 
the deaths of both of us will lie at your door ! (shop bell rings.) 

Enter Grace Emery, hurriedly, l. — she crosses to c. 

Grace. What is this 1 Mr. Chetty here 1 I thought as much. 

Peter (coming clown, c). My girl — my child — 'Tot; you will not 
have me dragged to prison, will you 1 Wlio, who weaned you, who 

Grace (r. c, to Charles). Sir, I have signed the document, and 
within the s[)ecified time. Once for all, I distinctly declare that Peter 
Ins had my consent to dispose of the money, (goes between Peter and 
Mus. Pbobitt) Now, dare you repeat any iutituidatiou to these honest 
people ] 



22 THE CHIMNEY CORNER. 

Cjias. Very well, Miss Emery, you seem to prefer ruin to <i friend's 
interference. Still, injustice to myself, I must add, that unless j)ro()fs 
of the proper employment of tlie moneys in question are forthcoming, 
I must consider our engagement at an end. 

Grace. Not to hold you in suspense, pray consider it so in any case. 
My father's wish arose from a presupposed attachment ; which, being 
false, the wisii can have no claim u])on my ('uty. 

Cfus. You seem. Miss Emery, to warp sentences to your own wish, 
but legally they may ])rove less pliable than you anticipate, {to Peti:k) 
As for your son, Mr. Probity {sliop hell rinys.) 

Petur. My son ! {he goes to door and speaks off) I don't know what 
you want, but we're out of it. 

Postman {loitliout, l.). Post ! Mr. P. Probity ! {hands in a letter to 
Pkter.) 

Peter. Now — now it is here ! my boy — news of my son ! 

Mrs. p. {rushing to Peter). Oh, Peter — at last! 

Peter {looldng at letter toith bitter disitppointment) No — no — not 
his writing ! {throws letter on table and sinks in chair r. of table) No 
news of my boy ! 

Chas. {going up to Peter). Perhaps I can give you the latest intelli- 
gence of that young gentleman. He is, by this time, at the police 
office, a ])risoner. 

Mrs. p. Our John, a prisoner"? 

Peter. A prisoner ! A pris — o — ner 1 

Chas. Why, Mr. Probity, could you for a moment imagine that wc 
did not know where to place our hands upon him 1 A week ago we 
found i)roofs of fresh delinquencies, and he has just been brought from 
Liverpool in custody. (Peter, in agony, buries his face in his hands.) 

Mrs. p. Oh, sir, you must let, ns see him! He'll return all the 
money, and then you'll let him off, won't you 1 Give him a good talking 
to and let him go. 

CiiAS. There is no longer any brag of his extreme innocence, I per- 
ceive. 

Grace (k.). Mr. Ciietty, I recall my ill-advised words, and entreat 
your mercy for my poor friends. 

Chas. Miss Emery, unless I am satisfied as to the safety of your 
legacy, I must on principle decline to interfere. (Grace and Mrs. Pro- 
bity go up to Peter — shop bell heard.) 

Peter. Ring away ! I shall serve no more in tliis world! {goes up to 
Solomon's chair.) 

Enter Sifter hurriedly, l. 

SiKT. (l., aside to Charles). Mr. Chetty, junior; sir, if you please, a 
word with you. 

Chas. {aside to Sifter). Is he arrived ? 

Sift. Yes, but we've got on to another clue altogether ; most unex- 
])pcted discovery ; quite a different party. AVe have liberated this 
Probity. 

Chas. Explain ! 

Sift. I can't explain here; but you're wanted at the office ; there's 
a confession. 

Chas. Til come. [Exit Sifter, l. 

{to Grace) Miss Emery, my feelings are touched — really — a — old 
chandler in tears, and all that. For your sake, I'll see what can be 
done — and, in i)oint of fact, doit. [E.rit, l. 

Guaoe (r., to Petek). There, Peter, you hear what he says 'i Depend 
upon it, he will not prosecute. 



THE CHIMNEY COENEB. ' 23 

Peter {coming down with Grace, k. c.)- There's a recorder's report 
in his face, my child. I've read such newspaper tragedies over my cup 
o' chicory ; and Pat ty and I have wondered what the feelings of the 
parents must be. I'm let into the terrible secret. 

Grace (k.)- Shall 1 go and try to see John 1 

Mks. p. {seated in chair, l. of fireplace). iMy good, kind angel, will 

you 1 . 

Peter (c). Do, for her sake, Tot! I've always tried to soothe her 
troubles ; but now I'm a Job's comforter. There she sits in Ms favorite 
chair; he'll never sit there again, {shop Ml rings.) 

Enter John Probity, l., pale and agitated. 

John. Mother! 

Grace (r.)- John ! John ! 

Mrs. P. He's there — restored to us ; my boy! {rushes to John and 
flings herself tcpon his neck. Feter falls back on chair, r. c.) 

John (l.). Look to my father ! 

Grace (r.). He has fainted! — no — the shock has overcome him. 
Peter, look up ! (Peter raises his eyes sloioly.) 

John {after a pause). How you are altered ! 

Peter. Are we — altered 1 That's strange I We find ourselves dis- 
honored — childless ; for you are no son of mine ; and it's a matter of 
surprise that we are altered ! 

Mrs. p. (l. of table). But, he's here ! — he's here ! He will be a good 
boy, and restore all ; won't you, John 1 

John (l). Restore all ! I'm bewildered by your words. What is the 
meaniuf^ of all this 1 I have suffered the extreme of degradation ; 
brou<Thras a prisoner from Liverpool— released without explanation — I 
haste'n for comfort to my home, and find such expressions on your lips. 

Petei!. Patty, come away from him 1 {pulls her across to r.) The 
money, sir ! the 'money ! That girl's money which was in the desk ! 
Can you restore it to her 1 

John. I— /restore it ! Is it then lost ? 

Peter. Boy, no trifling ! Let the sight of our misery put hypocrisy 

to shame. 

John. Hypocrisy ! What, in the name of all that's just, do you de- 
mand ] 

Peter {iii a paroxysm of rage). All that's just! Hear him' As 
your disgraced parent I might demand, who taught you to stab your 
poor old^father and mother to the heart '? But I demand only justice 
to this poor girl. To us your conduct has been such, that mine 
wouldn't be more unnatural if I forgot you were my own flesh and 
blood, and throttled a confession out of you— same as I would out of 
any other robber! hnt— {suddenly changing) No!— no!— no! Now I 
look in your face, the old and happy times come back! — my John — my 
boy— my boy! you'll do something to save your father 1 If not for 
my sake (for children grow up to love the mother best — it's natural) 
tell all for her sake! Look at her! I implore you to tell. the whole 
truth ! {(ibout to kneel, John prevents him.) 

John. My poor father! I glean from your terrible words that you 
have been robbed; but is it possible that you suspect mel 

Peter. Ha! ha! He won't acknowledge it. 1 see he's hardened — 
stone {goes up) , , ^ , . 

Mrs. p. (li). Don't be so harsh with hira, Peter; look at his poor 
pale face. 



24 THE CHIIINEY COKNEE. 

Grace (n.). The night you left, Jolin, all the money which my father 
bequeaLhod to me was abstracted from that desk. 

JoiKx. Giace ! 

Peter. Your letter ! hypocrite ! Your letter acknowledged the 
crime. 

Joiijf . My letter ! (considering a moment) Oh, you have fearfully 
misconstrued my words; I only alluded to Grace; how shall I con- 
vince you 1 How can I give some iustant proof of my innocence 1 

Solomon appears on the stairs, r., slowly descending. 

Peter. Here comes a witness of your guilt ; your old grandfather 
babbled of the money you — you took from the desk ! 

Jonx. Money ! My own money ! Ah! I see, everything has turned 
to evidence against me. (runs to Solomon, tclio is coming doion stairs, 
R ) Grandfather ! 

Sol. (on stairs). John ! fine lad ! Where's my hankeycher ? 

Jonx. Speak, dear grandfather ; do you know anything of the money 
— {impressively) money in this desk? (goes to desk and places Jus hand 
upon it.) 

Sol. It's not safe there — hide it! hide it ! 

Peter (in front, c). Ah! 

Jonx. Wliere, grandfather, where? (to others^ Hush! for mercy's 
sake ! 

Sol. Lot's o' thieves ! Hide it! 

John'. Yes! yes! Hide it — where — where 1 

Sol. (in a loud whisper to John). The — the chimney — ah ! ah ! the 
chimney corner. (John and Peter rusJi to the fireplace^ John thrusts 
his arm up the chimney.) 

John. No ! it's not there ! 

Peter (who has thrust his head right up, brings doicn the box) Here ! 
here ! ah ! ah ! as I'm a living man ; thank Providence, here — here it 
is I (an exclarjiation of joy from cdl, Peter rushes forward with the 
box, falls overpoioercd, recovers and flings hiniself on J oiiy's breast) 
My wronged boy, I ask your pardon! say you pardon me, or I shall 
choke I 

John (l. c). My dear father ! 

Mrs. P. (up l.). 1 knew Jio was innocent all the while ! 

Peter. Did you, old woman! Well, never mind ; stick to that ! (gives 
box to Grace, icho jjlaces it on table) Tliere, Tot, I never want to be sole 
executor and trustee to a heiress again, I can tell j'ou. Grandfather, 
let me help you to your chair, (as he leads Solomon tip) Ah, my Solo- 
mon, you little guess what we have suffered through j'our wisdom. 

John (l. c). So, father, have I profited so ill by your honest ex- 
ample, that you should suspect me 1 

Peter (coining down,B.. c,). John, look me full in the face; now, 
say you have never been dishonest — never forged a lock — checked a 
fors;e — I mean forged a check 1 

John. Never ! 

Pkter [loatching John's countenance, after a pause). I believe you ! 
(shaking his hand with feeling) All will yet be well ! drop the subject. 
My heart's thumping like a gold-beater's mallet, (shop bell rings ; goes 
to door L. a7id looks off) Two customers, (speaks off) Help yourselves 
to what you like; never mind the money tliis time! (returns to c) 
Who'd think tliat a chandler, with sucli a crime as mine upon Lis head, 
could bo so disgustingly light-hearted 7 

John (r. o.). F<?Kr crime ? 



THE CHIMNEY COKNEE. 25 

Peter (l. c). The crime of suspecting my boy ! Now, you're a 
scholar; did you ever read, in ancient history, of any uoble Roman, or 
other backwoodsman, thrashing his father 1 

John. No ! 

Peter. Then I wish you'd thrash me, and let the fact be handed 
down to posterity as a remarkable president of Britisli retribution. 

Grace (r.). John, how unkind — how unjust liave been my thoughts 
towards you ; I feel as though my whole life ought to be devoted to 
atonement. 

Sol. {at back). John ought to marry that girl. Where's my hankey- 
cher 1 

Peter (o.). Now, Tot, my own child, don't say anything too kind; 
hopes are soon raised, and when I think of poor John's letter — by-the- 
by, talking of a letter, I can read this now; I'd quite forgotten it. 
{takes letter from the table and reads the seal) "L Ian frothy Copper 
Mine Company." Oh, drat 'em ! anotlier call, I suppose. Well, it'll 
save me from a fit of joyful hysterics, {opens letter and reads) " Sir, — 
Pleasure to inform you — struck on a rich lode — shares now at fovLy. — 
Amos Tupper, Secretary." Holloa ! here's luck ! I've got eighty of 'em I 
Eigrhty times forty. Why, I'm a Rothschild ! 

Mrs. p. (l.). I always said it was a good spec ! 

Peter. Did you, old woman? Well, stick to that. 3^c;m shan't be 
long without crinoHne, and a " more antique " frock ! {shop hell rings) 
Go to the opposition shop ; we're getting sarcy and independent ! 

Enter Charles Chetty and Sifter, l. 

Chas. (l.). Mr. Pi'obity, I have come to do an act of justice. 

Peter. What 1 

Chas. I have come to do an act of justice. 

'^ETER. Go it ! Novelty forever ! 

Chas. Our suspicions of your son, as far as the frauds in our office 
are concerned, were erroneous. 

Sift. (l.). The little mistake was mine ; the bona fide culprit is 
Joseph Trevor ! 

John (r.). My fellow clerk ! 

Mks. p. (behind table, l. c). I always said it was the clerk ! 

Peter (c). Did you, mother 1 AVell, stick to that, {to Sifter) Mr. 
Boney Fidey, or whatever your name is, in return for your little 7nistake, 
I shall content myself by showing you the door. I could afford lo kick 
you out, but my godfather was a north countryman, and I shall omit 
that ceremony, out of respect to Scotland Yard. 

Sift. Touching the potash and soda. 

Peter. Get out 1 {exit Sifter, l. Peter slams the door after him 
— bell — returns to l. c.) Now, Mr. Charles, you threw it in my teeth 
that we bragged too much of our honesty; it appears that Brag's a 
good dog, after all. 

Chas. Respecting Miss Emery's capital 

Peter. Tiiat's a capital joke ; it's here — you can" see it if you like. 

Chas. Indeed ! I Hi glad to hear it, for it looked rather black ! 

Peter. It was in a black-looking i)lace. {crosses toe.) Wasn't it. Tot, 1 

Chas. (l.). Then I should wish a few words privately with Grace. 

Peter. So should I. {taking John and Grace up the stage, c.) Patty, 
amuse Mr. Chetty for a minute or two. (Mrs. Probity goes down, r. c.) 

Sol. {seated at back). A young shark was caught in ninety-one. 

Chas. {aside). I should like to strangle that old hippopotamus, {to 



26 THE CHIMNEY COKNEE. 

Mrs. Probity, confidentiallij) Now, between ourselves, in point of fact, 
where was this money deposited "? 

Mrs. P. (wi^&ft'ritfH^). Up thefluel ti u 

Chas. {iiuligiiant). 1 asked a civil question, madam ; I don t require 
your cliandler-yhop jokes. . 

Peter That's settled ! not another Avord ! {coming cloim with John 
and Grace) Mr. Chetty, the chandler's going to do something magnani- 
minimous. We have come to the resolution that the money shall pass 
into your family. 

Chas. How d'ye mean 1 , . ^, j 

Peter. If Grace marries my boy, she'll forfeit about two thousand. 
(icith assumed pompositi/) Twill make that trifle up to her. 

Chas. You! ha! ha! ^ ^ * i -^v, 

Peter. Yes, sir, me, ha! ha! (pompously) Out of my property, which 

lies in the mining districts, and which will e!is\\y-{suddenli/ tm-mng^ 

sees Solomon at table icith his hands on the cash-box; runs to him) No. 

you don't— not this time, [takes the box from htm.) 

Sol. (at back of table). The lawyers will get it-hide it hide it! 
Peter ^coming down with cash-box). This shall be paid over to the 
firm of Chettv & Co., as soon as Tot becomes Mrs. John Probity. 
John (r., to Charles). And I wish you may soon get it ! 
Peter f c ) There's a sublime sentiment ! He wishes you may get 
it ! and ijiointing to Grace) there's a blush that puts a crimson seal to 
f/iai codic^L ^^^^^ ^^^^.^^^ ^ (^looking at his icatcli) I have an ap- 

pointment. I am sorry that you have made yourself look so ridiculous ; 
but, in point of fact-a-good-bye. {J^^it, l. clooi . 

Sol. (at back of table). Has he had his gruel ? t„l^.„.n 

Peter. Patty, the sun's burst out now ; one is never too old toleam. 
(to John and Grace) My children, whatever trouble y^^^^U llnal 
et conscience be with you another word for f^^^^-^^'^^Jf^becri^e 
Comincr I but I want to say a word or two to my best customeis, because 
theTmay be lunnin^r away with the idea that having come into property 
n tllie Sni:.g distric^ts, 1 intend giving up business. (^^.-'^^^1^1^ 
hear such a Report, obleege me by contradicting it, will you 1 As long 
as you pat-onize our iTttle shop, you'll find me l^^^'^. <if 1^"? /" .^ 
variltv of articles from allspice (of which I know you to be first-iate 
]ni:S) to s'ft soap, and I hJpe j^u'll not find your money is lost when 
you've had a look at " The Chimney Corner I 

Sol. (at back). 
B. Grace. John. Peter. Mrs. P. ^• 

CURTAIN. 



DE ^ViTT'S 



ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA. 



" Let those laugh now who never laughed before, 
And those who always laughed now laugh the more." 

Jl'jtliing so thorough and complete in the way of Ethiopian and Comic Drama^' 
fts." ever been printed as those that appear in tiie following list. Not only are thvji 
;pl05!< excellent, the characters droll, the incidents funnj, the language liumorons.j 
but a',' the situations, by-play, positions, pantomimic business, scenery, and tricks 
are sc j/iainly set down and clearly explained, that the merest novice could put 
any of ti.em on the stage. Included in this catalogue are all the most laughable 
and effective pieces of their class ever produced. 

*** In ordering, please copy the figures at the commencement of each play, 
which indicate the number of the piece in " Db Witt's Ethiopian akd Comic 
Drama." 

P^" Any of the following plays sent, postage free, on receipt of pric— 
15 Cents Each. Address, 

CLINTON T. DE WITT, 

JVb. 33 Rose Street, JSTew York. 



The figures In the columns indicate the number of characters — M. tnale^ 



'P. female. 



No. 
73. 

lor. 

43. 

79. 

42. 
6. 

10. 
11. 

40. 

78. 
89. 

24. 



I 41. 

53. 

63. 
110. 

111. 

50. 
01 



African Box, burlesque, 2 scene 5 
Africauus Bluebeard, musical 

Ethiopian burlesque 6 2 

Baby Elephant, sketch, 2 scene 7 1 
BarUv^y's Courtship, musical 

Intel "ude, 1 act 1 1 

Bad Waiskey, sketch. 1 scene. 2 1 
Black Ciiap from Whitechupel, 

negro p e^e 4 

Black Cufcu^ist, sketch, 1 scene 3 
Black-ey'd William, sketch, 2 

scenes 4 1 

Big Mistake, yketch, 1 scene.. 4 

Bogus India'i .sketch, 4 scenes 5 2 
Bogus Talking Machines (The) 

farce, 1 scene 4 

Bruised and Cured, sketch, 1 

scene 2 

Charge of the. Hash Brigade, 

Irish musical sketch 2 3 

Coal Heaver's Rbvenge, negro 

sketch, 1 sceae 6 

Cremation, sketch, 2 scenes... 8 1 

Daguerreotypes, sketch, 1 scene 3 
D;unon and Pythias, burlesque, 

2 scenes 5 1 

Darkey's Stratagenv, 1 act 3 1 

De Black Magician, Ethiopian 

comicality. 1 scene 4 2 

Deeds of Darkness, Ethiopiaii 

extravaganza. 1 act 6 1 

Draft (The), sketch, 1 act 6 

DiUchman's Ghost, 1 scene... 4 1 



No. 

95. 

67. 

4. 

98. 



83. 



M. 7. 

Dutch Justice, sketch, 1 s'tene 11 

Editor's Troubles, farco, I see. 6 

Eh ? What is It '/ sketch 4 1 

Elopement (The), farce, 1 scene 4 J 
Excise Trials, sketch, 1 scene. 10 1 
Fehow that Looics Like Me, In- 
terlude, 1 scene • • ■ 2 * 

Fisherman's Luck, 1 scene 2 

First Niglit (The), Dutch farce, 

1 act 4 a 

Gambrinus, King of Lager 
Beer, Ethiopian burlesqu' 2 

Scenes g i 

German Emigrant (The), sketch 

1 scene g 3 

Getting Square on the Call Boy, 

sketcli, 1 scene 3 

Ghost (The), sketch, 1 act 2 Q 

Ghost in a Pawnshop, 1 scene. 4 a 

Glycerine Oil, sketch 3 p 

Going for the Cup, interlude.. 4 (J 
Good Night's Rest, 1 scene. ..30 

(.Ti-ipsack, sketch, 1 Gcene 3 

Guide to tlie Stage, sketch ... 3 f 

Happy Clouple, 1 scene 2 1 

Hard Times, extravaganza, 1 

scene 5 ) 

Hemmed In, sketch 3 1 

High Jack, the Heeler, 1 scen«j 6 

Hippotheatron. sketch 9 

In and Oat, sketch, 1 scene... 2 

Jealous Husband, sketch 2 1 

Julius, the Snoozer, 3 scenes ^ % 



D3 WITT'S ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMA (Continued). 



Ko. 

1. 

36. 

18. 

m. 

■67. 
'JO. 

i'j. 

»96. 
l' 
101 



2;,'. 



i05. 



13. 

10. 

47. 

54. 
100. 
lOi. 

34. 

2, 
104, 



oe 



SI. p. 
Katrina'.s Little Game, Dutch 

act, 1 scene 1 3 

Last of the Mohicans, sketch.. 3 1 
Laiigliing Gas, sketch, 1 scene. G 1 
Live Injun, sketch, 4 scenes. .. 4 1 

Lost Will, sketcli 4 

Lucky Job, farce, 2 scenes 3 2 

Lunatic (Tlie), farce, 1 scene.. 3 
Making a Hit, farce, 2 scenes.. 4 
Malicious Trespass. 1 scene — 3 
Midnight Intruder (The), farce, 

1 scene 1 

Mollie Moriarty, Irish music- 
al sketch, 1 scene 1 1 

Mutton Trial, sketch, 2 scenes 4 
:Musical Servant, sketch, 1 see. 3 
Niglit in a Strange Hotel, 

sketch. 1 scene 2 

Obeying Orders, sketch 1 scene 2 1 
Oue'ilundredth Nightof Ham- 
let, sketch 7 -1 

One Night in a Barroom, 

sketch 7 

One, Two, Three, 1 scene 7 

Pete and the Peddler, Negro 

and Irish sketch, 1 scene 2 '.\ 

Policy Players, sketch, 1 scene " 
Pompey's Patients, interlude; 

2 scenes ■ . 6 

Porter's Troubles, 1 scene 6 1 

Port Wine vs. Jealousy, sketch 2 1 
Painter's Apprentice (The), 

farce, 1 scene 5 C 

Polar Bear (The), 1 scene 4 1 

Recruiting Oflice, sketch, 1 act. 5 
Eemittance from Home, 

sketch, 1 scene C 

Rehearsal (The), Irish farce, 2 

scenes 4 2 

Rigging a Purchase, sketch, 1 

scene 3 

Rival Artists, sketch, 1 scene. 3 

Rival Tenants, sketch 4 

Sam's Courtship, farce, 1 act.. 2 1 

Sausage IMakers, 2 scenes 5 1 

Scenes on the Mississippi, 

2 scenes 6 

Scampini, pantomime, 2 scenes C 3 
SerenadeiThe), .sketch, 2 scenes 7 

Siamese Twins, 2 scenes 5 

Sleep Walker, sketch, 2 scenes 3 
. Slippery Day, sketch, 1 scene. 6 

Squire for a Day, sketch 5 

Staj;e-struck Couple, 1 scene.. 2 
Stranger, burlesque, 1 scene... 1 

an;l 2 children. 
Stupid Servant, sketch, 1 scene 2 
Streets of New York, 1 scene . C 

Storming the Fort, 1 scene 5 

Take it.^Don't Take It, 1 scene 2 

Them Papers, sketch, 1 scene. 3 

, Tiiree Chiefs (The). 2 scenes . . (i 

, Three A. M., sketch, 2 scenes. 3 

, Throe Strings to One Bow, 

sketcli, 1 scene 4 

. Tricks, sketch 5 

. TwoAwfuls (The), 1 scene 5 

. Two Black Rose.;, sketch 4 

Uncle Ejili's Dream, 2 scenes . 3 
. Vinesiir Bitters, sketch, 1 scene G 
.. Wako Uj), William Henrj'. .. 3 



M. ff. 

Wanted, a Nurse, 1 scene 4 i 

Weston the Walkist, Dutch 

sketch, 1 scene ~ 1 

What Shall 1 Take ? farce, 1 act 8 1 

Who Died First 'f 1 scene 3 1 

Who's the Actor ? farce, 1 

scene 4 

Wrong Woman iu the Right 

I^lacc, sketch, 2 scenes .' . . 2 "? 

Young Scamp, sketch, 1 scene. 3 
The Coming Man, sketch, 1 aci 3 1 

Ambition, farce, 2 scenes 7 

One Niglit in a Medical College, 

sketcli, 1 scene 7 1 

Private Boarding, comedj-, 1 

scene 5 1 

Zacharias' Funeral, farce, 1 

scene 5 

Alotor Bellows, comedy, 1 scene ^^^. 
U ilon's Funny Babies, bur- 

I'rsque C 

ily Wife's Visitors, comic 

d rama, 1 f cene 6 1 

Body Suiitcners (The), Ne.:;ri> 

sketch, 2 scenps 3 1 

Stocks Up! Stocks D-^wn ! 

Negro farce, 1 scene 2 

, Ticket Taker, Negro faice, 1 

scene 2 

, The Intelligence Oflico, Ethio- 

liiau sketch, 1 scene 2 1 

, Deaf as a Post, Eihiopiau 

sketch, 1 scene 2 

, Oh, Hush I iNegio Operatic 

( ilio, 3 scenes 4 1 

. Black Statue, Nigro farce, 1 

scene ■* 2 

, Blinks and Jinks, Etl>'oi)iari 

sketch, 1 scene 3 1 



DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS (Continued). 



No. 
144. 

34. 
137. 
111. 
119. 
165. 

48. 

33. 
164. 
109. 

85. 

sr. 

143. 
189. 
163. 
154. 

63. 

39. 
7. 

49. 

15. 

46. 

51. 
184. 
108. 
188. 
169. 
130. 

92. 
193. 

140. 

115. 

2. 

57. 
104. 
112. 
185. 

84. 
117. 

171. 
14. 

t73. 
176. 

90. 
170. 

33. 
3. 

97. 

66. 

172. 

94. 

45. 
155. 

178. 

147. 
156. 

82. 
127. 

23 

62. 



Lancasbire Lass, melodrama, 5 acts.l2 3 
Larkins' Love Letters, farce, 1 act .3 2 

L' Article 47, drama, 3 acts 11 5 

Liar (The), comedy, 2 acts 7 2 

Life Chase , drama, 5 acts 14 5 

Living Statue (The), farce, 1 act 3 2 

Little Annie's Birthday, farce, 1 act. 2 4 

Little Kebel, farce, 1 act 4 3 

Little Kuby, drama, 3 acts 6 6 

Locked In, comedietta, 1 act 2 2 

Lockedln with a Lady, sketch, 1 act. 1 1 

Locked Out, comic scene 1 2 

Lodgers and Dodgers, farce, 1 act.. 4 2 
Leap Year, musical duality, 1 act. . . 1 1 

Marcoretti , drama, 3 acts 10 3 

Maria and Magdalena, play, 4 acts . 8 6 
Marriage at Any Price, farce, 1 act. 5 3 
Master Jones' Birthday, farce, 1 act. 4 2 

Maud's Peril, drama, 4 acts. , 5 3 

Midnight Watch, drama, 1 act 8 2 

Milky White, drama, 2 acts 4 2 

Miriam's Crime, drama, 3 acts 5 

Model of a Wife, farce, 1 act 3 

Money, comedy, 5 acts 17 

Mr. Scroggins, farce, 1 act 3 

Mr. X., farce, 1 act 3 

My Uncle's Suit, farce, 1 act 4 

My Wife's Diary, farce, 1 act 3 

My Wife's Out, farce, 1 act 2 

My Walking Photograph, musical 

duality, 1 act 1 

Never Keckon Your Chickens, etc., 

farce, 1 act 3 

New Men and Old Acres, comedy, 3 8 

Nobody's child, drama, 3 acts 8 

Noemie, drama, 2 acts 4 

No Name, drama, 5 acts 7 

Not a Bit Jealous, farce, 1 act 3 

Not So Bad as We Seem, play, 5acts.l4 

Not Guiit3', drama, 4 acts 10 

Not Such a Fool as He Looks, drama, 

3 acts 5 

Noihing Like Paste, farce, 1 act 3 

No Thoroughfare, drama, 5 acts and 

prologue 13 

Off tlie Stage, comedietta, 1 act 3 

On Bread and Water, farce, 1 act. . . 1 

Only a Halfpenny, farce, 1 act 2 

Only Somebody, farce, 1 act 4 

One too Many for Him, farce, 1 act. 2 

£100,000, comedy, 3 acts 8 

Orange Blossoms, comedietta, 1 act. 3 
Orange Girl, drama, in prologue 

and 3 acts 18 

Ours, comedy, 3 acts 6 

Our Clerks, farce, 1 act 7 

Our Domestics, comedy farce, 2 acts 6 
■Our Heroes, military piay, 5 acts. . .24 
Out at Sea, drama in prologue and 

4 acts 16 

Overland Route, comedy, 3 acts 11 

Peace at Any Price, farce, 1 act 1 

Peep o' Day, drama, 4 acts 12 

Peggy Green, fan e, 1 act 3 10 

Petticoat Parliament, extravaganza, 

in one act 15 24 

Photographic Fix, farce, 1 act 3 2 

A COMPLETE 



No. 



K. T. 



61. Plot and Passion, drama, 3 acta 7 

138. Poll and Partner Joe, burlesque, 1 

act 10 3 

110. Poppleton's Predicaments, farce, 13 6 

50. Porter's Knot, drama, 2 acts 8 2 

59. Post Boy, drama, 2 acts 5 3 

95. Pretty Horse-Breaker, farce, lact.. 3 10 

181 and 182. Queen Mary, drama, 4 act8.38 8 

157. Quite at Home, comedietta, 1 act... 5 2 
196. Queerest Courtship (The), comic op 

eretta, 1 act 1 1 

132 Race for a Dinner, farce, 1 act 10 

183. Richelieu, play, 5 acts 16 2 

38. Rightful Heir, drama, 5 acts 10 2 

77. Roll of the Drum, drama, 3 acts 8 4 

13. Ruy Bias, drama, 4 acts 12 4 

194. Rum, drama, 3 acts 7 4 

195. Rosemi Shell, travesty, 1 act, 4 

scenes 6 3 

158. School, comedy, 4 acts 6 6 

79. Sheep in Wolf's Clothing, drama, 17 5 

37. Silent Protector, farce, 1 act 3 2 

35. Silent Woman, farce, 1 act 2 1 

43. Sisterly Service, comedietta, 1 act.. 7 2 
6. Six Months Ago, comedietta, 1 act. 2 1 

10. Snapping Turtles, duologue, 1 act. . 1 1 

!i6. Society, comedy, 3 acts 16 5 

78. Special Performances, farce, 1 act.. 7 3 
31. Taming a Tiger, farce, 1 act 3 

150. Tell-Taie Heart, comedietta, 1 act.. 1 2 

120. Tempest in a Teapot, comedy, 1 act. 2 1 
146. There's no Smoke Without Fire, 

comedietta, 1 act 1 2 

83. Thrice Married, personation piece, 

lact 6 1 

42. Time and the Hour, drama, 3 acts.. 7 3 
27. Time and Tide, drama, 3 acts and 

prologue 7 5 

133. Timothy to the Rescue, farce, 1 act. 4 2 
153. 'Tis Better to Live than to Die, 

farce, 1 act 2 1 

134. Tompkins the Troubadour, farce, 13 2 
29. Turning the Tables, farce, 1 act. ... 5 3 

168. Tweedie's Rights, comedy, 2 acts.. 4 2 

136. Twice Killed, farce, 1 act 6 3 

56. Two Gay Deceivers, farce, 1 act 3 

133. Two Polts, farce, 1 act 4 4 

198. Twin Sisters (The), comic operetta, 

1 act 3 1 

162. Uncle's Will, comedietta, 1 act 2 1 

106. Up for the Cattle Show, farce, 1 act. 6 2 

81. Vandyke Brown, farce, lact 3 3 

134. Volunteei- Review, farce, 1 act 6 6 

91. Walpole, comedy, 3 acts 7 2 

118. Wanted, a Young Lady, farce, 1 act. 3 

44. War to the Knife, comedy, 3 acts. . . 5 4 
105. Which ofthe Two? comedietta, lact 2 10 



98. Who is Who? farce, 1 act 3 

12. Widow Hunt, comedy, 3 acts 4 

5. William Tell with a Vengeance, 

burlesque 

136. Woman in Red, drama, 3 acts and 

prologue 6 

161. Woman's Vows and Mason's Oaths, 

4 acts 10 

11. Woodcock's Little Game, farce, 2 4 
54. Young Collegian (Cantab.), farce, i 3 



2 
4 

8 2 



DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE 



of DE WITT'S ACTING PLAYS AND DE 'WITT'S 



ETHIOPIAN AND COMIC DRAMAS , containing Plot, Costume, Scenery, 
Time ot Representation and every other information, mailed free and post paid 



An Inflispisame Boo! for Afflatenrs. 

« ■^ »■ > 

HOW TO HAMaE 
AMATEtJE THEATBICALS. 



Being plain instructions for construction and arrangement of Stage, 
making Scenery, getting up Costumes, " Making Ux> " to represent 
different ages and characters, and how to produce stage Illusions and 
Effects. Also hints for the management of Amateur Dramatic Clubs, 
and a list of pieces suitable for Drawing Room Performances. Hand- 
somely illustrated with Colored Plates. 

JPWce, 25 Cents. 



DE WITT'S SELECTIONS 



AMATEnB Al PABLOR THEATRICALS . 

Nos. 1 and 2. 

Being choice selections from tlu- very best Dramas, Comedies and 
Farces. Specially adapted for presentation T)y Amateurs, and for 
Parlor and Drawing Room Entertainments. 

Price, 25 Cents. 

Other Numbers of this Series will soon follow. 



■■■■■■imDnHBHIHIHHI 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 458 084 9 •> 



